PHIL ADAMSON IN BELFAST COURT OVER SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING A CHILD AND VOYEURISM
In November 2017, a police officer named Phil Adamson appeared before the magistrates at Coleraine Magistrates Court to face serious charges related to voyeurism and the production of an indecent photograph of a child.Adamson, aged 46, whose address was listed as c/o 65 Knock Road, Belfast — the location of police headquarters — was brought before the court to answer for allegations that have shocked the local community and raised concerns about misconduct within law enforcement.
His case was not immediately sentenced; instead, the proceedings were temporarily adjourned until later in the month.
District Judge Liam McNally expressed a clear intention to review a Victim Impact Statement, emphasizing the importance of considering the perspective of the child involved in the case.
The judge underscored the need for the court to give proper weight to the victim’s views before proceeding further.
Adamson had previously entered a guilty plea in October to two separate charges.
The first charge involved voyeurism, which was alleged to have occurred in July of that year.
According to the charge, Adamson recorded another individual engaged in a private act without their consent, purportedly for the purpose of sexual gratification.
This act was committed in violation of the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008.
In addition, Adamson pleaded guilty to a second charge related to the same incident date — making an indecent photograph of a child, which contravenes the Protection of Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.
The details of the case indicate that these offenses are particularly grave, given the involvement of a minor and the nature of the crimes.
During the court session, Adamson was dressed in a suit, shirt, and tie, and was observed sitting at the back of the courtroom until his case was called.
When the judge inquired about the Victim Impact Statement, a prosecutor confirmed that it was important for the prosecution to ensure that the victim’s views are obtained, highlighting the significance of hearing directly from the child affected.
Judge McNally expressed a keen interest in hearing the victim’s perspective, noting that most voyeurism cases typically proceed to the Crown Court, and that such crimes are not usually prosecuted in Magistrates Courts in England.
The defense lawyer, Eoghan Devlin, pointed out that other offenses, such as Section 47 assaults, are also generally not handled at the Magistrates Court level in England, implying that the case’s seriousness warrants careful consideration.
Reiterating the gravity of the charges, Judge McNally stated, “I know Mr Adamson would be very keen to have this matter dealt with.
I want to consider the reports.
It is a serious charge, there is a lot at stake for the defendant.
I would like to hear the ‘voice’ of the child as well.” The proceedings were adjourned, and the case was scheduled to resume later in the month, with the court awaiting the Victim Impact Statement and further reports to determine the appropriate course of action.
