Alleged sex offender in court over online sting
A man has appeared in court as a result of a six-month undercover, paedophile hunter sting operation.
On Saturday (November 29) at Ballymena Magistrates Court, 25-year-old Shane McKee appeared by video link from police custody, speaking only to confirm his identity and that he understood the two charges against him.
McKee, with an address at Kenbane Avenue in Coleraine, was charged with attempting to communicate sexually with a child between 27 May and 26 November this year and with the improper use of a telecommunication network between the same dates.
The particulars of the offence discloses an allegation that for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, McKee “intentionally attempted to communicate with a child, a person under 16 years, the communication being sexual or intended to encourage the said child to make a communication that was sexual, and you did not reasonably believe that the child was 16 years or over.”
Charge two alleges that he sent a message or other matter which was “grossly offensive or indecent.”
The background was not opened in court but it is understood McKee was arrested after he was accosted at his home by Justice Reborn following alleged online exchanges with a decoy profile, posing as a 13-year-old child.
Giving evidence to the court, Constable Boyle said she believed she could connect McKee to each of the offences.
Defence solicitor Keith Kyle indicated that subject to an address approved by police, “bail can be agreed” and the officer confirmed that was the case.
While District Judge Peter Magill granted bail in the sum of £250, he added conditions that McKee has to reside at an approved address and does not have a device to access the internet. The case was adjourned to 15 December.