CHILD ABDUCTION: OFFERED GIRL SWEETS AND A TRIP TO THE ZOO, COURT TOLD.
A retired man accused of kidnapping a six-year-old girl appeared in court, where it was revealed he gave her money to buy sweets and told her he planned to take her to see the monkeys.The hearing also disclosed that the man, aged 67, had taken the child to McDonald's and had driven her around in his van for approximately two hours.
In court, Seamus Loughran, from The Mill in Antrim, faced charges of child abduction on May 11th.
A police officer outlined that the defendant allegedly took the girl from outside her home without permission and brought her to McDonald's.
The officer stated the child was missing for around 90 minutes to two hours, during which her parents were unaware.
The following day, a teacher from her school noticed the defendant and the girl hugging in his work van and subsequently took the girl home.
The authorities were notified, and the child's parents and social services were informed.
When questioned, the girl reportedly said they had plans to visit the zoo to see monkeys and described the man as her friend.
She also said he did not know her name but had known her for about six weeks, during which he had given her money for sweets and taken her for rides in his van.
The court asked whether there was any connection between the defendant and the girl, but it was clarified that no link existed.
The police sought to have Loughran released on bail with certain conditions, which the defence agreed to, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.
The judge set bail at £500 and ordered Loughran to stay at home, refrain from contacting the girl, and avoid entering within 500 meters of her school.
The case was adjourned until November 17th for a further update, with the judge noting the unusual circumstances and concerns due to the lack of a connection.
