ROBERT PATTON FROM DERRY BANNED FROM PUBLIC TRANSPORT AFTER INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR NEAR SCHOOLS

In September 2008, a significant legal development took place involving Robert Patton, a man residing in the Waterside area of Derry, who has a troubling history of sexual offences. A District Judge granted a police application to impose an interim Sexual Offences Order on Patton, a move aimed at safeguarding the public from potential harm due to his past convictions and recent behavior.

The court proceedings revealed that Robert Patton, of Rotherwood Drive, had previously been convicted on February 28, 1990, for assault with intent to rape. The application before the court emphasized that since that conviction, there have been concerns about his conduct, which have led authorities to believe that a Sexual Offences Order under Section 104 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 is necessary. The order was granted by consent from District Judge Barney McElholm, reflecting the seriousness with which the court views Patton’s potential threat to public safety.

Earlier in January 2008, Patton’s troubling behavior escalated when he was banned from using public transport in Derry. This restriction was imposed after an incident on a train traveling between Derry and Ballymena, where an off-duty police officer observed and recorded Patton acting in a manner deemed inappropriate towards schoolchildren. The police officer, who was sitting beside Patton on the train, became concerned about his conduct and took photographs of him using his phone, citing comments and behavior that raised alarm.

The incident prompted immediate action from Derry Magistrate’s Court, which issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order against Patton. The court heard that Patton is currently under investigation in Ballymena for an alleged assault on a woman, as well as for other incidents at train stations. It was also disclosed that a woman, who claimed to have been victimized by Patton in a similar incident involving public transport, had tragically died shortly before the case was scheduled to be heard, adding a layer of gravity to the proceedings.

Inspector B.J. Collins provided details to the court, explaining that Patton was seated beside a police officer from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), who expressed concern over his behavior towards a group of schoolchildren. The officer took photographs of Patton’s comments and actions, which contributed to the decision to seek a court order. The police in Derry collaborated with various agencies, including the Sexual Offences Unit in Belfast and the Child Assault Unit in Ballymena, to build a comprehensive case against Patton.

Inspector Collins further stated that his research and discussions with colleagues revealed multiple incidents involving Patton at train stations, which have been progressing through the courts. The police’s primary concern remains his conduct in relation to public transport, prompting plans to escalate his risk category to the highest level—category three—based on intelligence from Belfast. This classification indicates a significant concern for public safety.

Robert Patton, who is currently unemployed, was arrested at his former workplace in Cullybackey, County Antrim. It was noted that he was a regular commuter during the time the alleged offences took place. Despite being disqualified from driving, the court ruled that Patton could still use public transport to attend court hearings in Antrim or to meet with his legal representatives in Ballymena, ensuring he remains accessible for legal proceedings while under supervision.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of the public, especially vulnerable groups such as schoolchildren, and underscores the efforts of law enforcement agencies in Northern Ireland to monitor and restrict individuals deemed a risk due to their criminal history and recent conduct.