KEVIN CHRISTY PORTADOWN PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED AFTER BREACHING SEX OFFENCES ORDER

A man from Portadown, Kevin Christy, has been sentenced to five months in prison after breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).

However, due to his ongoing legal situation and failure to secure a bail address, Christy, aged 41, will be released from custody after serving the time on remand. The circumstances surrounding his release were discussed at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where authorities expressed serious concerns for his safety.

Christy appeared before the court via videolink from Maghaberry Prison, having pleaded guilty to one charge of breaching the SOPO. The prosecution outlined the details of the case, emphasizing that Christy is a registered sex offender who was released from prison on October 25, 2024, after being convicted of attempted sexual communication with a child.

Following his release, Christy was subject to a three-year probation order and a five-year SOPO. The conditions of the SOPO explicitly stated that he was not permitted to reside overnight at any address without prior approval from his designated risk manager. Despite this, Christy moved into his mother’s residence in Portadown, located near the People’s Park, without obtaining the necessary approval. This move was a clear violation of the order.

Police and probation officers attended his mother’s address on October 30, but efforts to coordinate with the Housing Executive to secure suitable accommodation for Christy proved unsuccessful. The following day, October 31, Christy was arrested for breaching the SOPO.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that since his release, there have been ongoing protests outside his residence. These protests have been organized by vigilante groups claiming to protect children, and there are concerns that Christy could face violence or attack if he continues to live at that address. The police expressed their extreme concern for his safety, citing daily protests and an active social media campaign aimed at evicting him from the area.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan acknowledged that Christy had already served the equivalent of a five-month sentence, taking into account his guilty plea. As a result, he sentenced Christy to four months in prison, which effectively covered his time served. The judge also emphasized that the conditions of the SOPO would remain in effect until October 2029, ensuring ongoing restrictions and monitoring.