JUDE SEMPLE FROM DUNGANNON ARRESTED OVER SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGE GIRL ON CO TYRONE BUS

A serious incident involving a teenage girl being sexually assaulted occurred on a bus traveling through County Tyrone, specifically in the town of Dungannon, and has led to the arrest of Jude Semple, a man from Delaney Crescent. The case was brought before a special sitting of Dungannon Magistrates Court on Saturday, where the details of the allegations were outlined.

According to police reports, Jude Semple, aged 28, boarded a bus heading to Strabane on April 24. During the journey, a teenage girl, who was described as having moderate learning difficulties, was seated beside him. It was during this bus ride that Semple allegedly engaged in inappropriate and criminal behavior. The detective constable testified that Semple touched the girl’s groin area, and then, in a disturbing act, lifted her hand and placed it on his genitals multiple times. The assault did not stop there; it is further claimed that Semple grabbed her face and attempted to kiss her without her consent.

Once the bus reached its destination and the girl arrived home, she confided in her mother about the incident. Her mother promptly contacted the police, leading to Semple’s swift identification and arrest. During police questioning, Semple admitted to having consumed alcohol prior to boarding the bus. The police opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations and concerns about public safety.

Defense counsel argued that the girl was the one who approached Semple on the bus and that there was no evidence to suggest he actively sought her out for any inappropriate purpose. The lawyer also pointed out that there was no indication she tried to alert others or get help during the incident. Furthermore, it was revealed that Semple used her phone to contact his home and provided her with his real name. CCTV footage was presented, showing Semple showing the girl a piece of paper with his details on it, which ultimately helped police identify him. Semple was located at a relative’s residence and taken into custody.

District Judge Alana McSorley refused bail, and Semple is scheduled to appear again via video link on May 22. It is important to note that Jude Semple is also linked to two other allegations of rape, one of which involved a vulnerable female within the last six months. However, the Public Prosecution Service has decided not to proceed with charges related to those allegations. Additionally, there was an incident involving a young teenager several years ago, but no formal complaint was filed at that time.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of vulnerable individuals on public transport and the importance of swift legal action in such serious matters.