SEX OFFENDER STEVEN MCCARTHY FROM BELFAST CAUGHT LIVING WITH CHILDREN WITHOUT NOTIFICATION
In August 2020, a serious concern arose involving Steven Michael McCarthy, a convicted sex offender, who was found residing in Belfast without proper notification to authorities.The case came to light when police received reports indicating that McCarthy was living at a property in the Donaghmore area, a location he had not officially declared as his residence.
Initially, the female occupant of the property denied McCarthy's presence, insisting that he was not staying there.
However, the situation changed when police arrived and pointed out that McCarthy's car was parked outside the residence.
The vehicle was insured to that address, which raised suspicions.
It was only then that McCarthy emerged from the property, confirming his presence.
McCarthy, aged 36 and residing on Norglen Parade in Belfast, was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).
Despite this, he allegedly breached the order on July 27, 2020, by failing to notify police of his change of address.
This omission was a direct violation of the conditions set by the order, which aims to monitor and restrict the movements of convicted sex offenders.
When questioned by police, McCarthy claimed he was aware of the SOPO but insisted he had not changed his official address.
He explained that he used the Donaghmore property solely to obtain cheaper car insurance, not because he was residing there.
He stated that he had no contact with the woman or her children until the day before his arrest, and he maintained that he was not living at the property.
However, police officials found inconsistencies in his account.
The insurance policy on McCarthy’s car was changed on July 18, 2020, which coincided with his alleged move to the Donaghmore address.
This raised questions about potential fraud, especially since McCarthy claimed he had no links to that address.
The police considered this a serious matter, given the history of McCarthy’s offending record, which includes 15 convictions, three of which involved sexual activity with a child.
During the court hearing at Dungannon Magistrates Court, a police officer highlighted the risks associated with releasing McCarthy on bail.
The officer emphasized that if released, there was a significant chance he would continue to breach the SOPO and possibly commit further offences.
The officer also pointed out that McCarthy had previously breached similar orders in 2017 and had a history of non-compliance.
In his defense, McCarthy’s solicitor acknowledged his ongoing obligation under the SOPO and his previous breach, which resulted in community service.
The solicitor argued that McCarthy’s use of the Donaghmore address was solely for financial reasons related to car insurance and not for residence or contact with children.
The defense maintained that McCarthy had not changed his official address and that there was no requirement for him to notify authorities if he was not residing there.
Despite these arguments, District Judge John Meehan decided to grant bail but imposed strict conditions.
Among these was the requirement for electronic tagging to monitor McCarthy’s whereabouts.
The judge explained that this measure was necessary because there was suspicion that McCarthy might have taken up residence elsewhere, which could further breach the terms of his SOPO and pose a risk to the community.
