Lurgan man pleads guilty to stalking another man and sending an unwanted sexual image, Craigavon court hears
A Co Armagh man has pleaded guilty to stalking another man and sending him an unwanted sexual image.
The 30-year-old appeared in the dock at Craigavon Magistrates Court pleading guilty to both charges.
-
-
He is Simon Stewart from Ardboe Drive, Lurgan.
Stewart’s barrister, Mr Conor Lunny, pointed out that at a previous hearing District Judge Michael Ranaghan considered referring the matter back to the Public Prosecution Service to look at whether the case should go on indictment.
The deputy district judge said he is not now going to do that and the case can remain in the magistrates court.
"It can stay here. It is certainly high end,” he said.
The charges are that Stewart sent or gave a sexual image to a man without his consent intending that the man would look at the image and be caused humiliation, harm or distress on March 20 this year.
He was also charged with stalking the man from December 1, 2025 to May 15 this year.
Mr Lunny said his client pleaded guilty to both charges.
District Judge Ranaghan suggested the Public Prosecution Service consider contacting the complainant in the case to get a Victim Impact Statement.
Speaking to Stewart, who was in the dock, the district judge said he had read the case and is satisfied it can remain in the magistrates court.
"But it will certainly need a report from Probation on you,” he said, issuing an interim restraining order banning Stewart from contacting the victim in the case.
He adjourned the case until August 15 this year for a pre-sentence report.