Dungannon man in court over ‘most serious case of child sexual exploitation’

Michael Dynes from Rossin View, Dungannon appeared before East Tyrone Magistrates Court last Friday afternoon where he was accused of 16 offences in what an officer described as “one of the most serious cases of sexual exploitation of children” encountered.

The charges include making and possessing indecent images of children, possession of extreme images, committing a lewd act outraging public decency, recording a person doing a private act for sexual gratification, possessing a prohibited image of a child, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of children aged under 13 and 16, and causing children aged under 13 and 16 to watch a third person engaging in sexual activity.

The charges are alleged to have taken place on various dates between 2009 and 2015. An NCA officer under oath confirmed all charges could be connected. Strongly objecting to bail she said a search was carried out of Dynes’ home on June 4 and a number of items were seized.

He was released on bail whilst the items were sent for specialist examination.

The findings revealed hundreds of images and video files, along with internet search terms relating to serious child sexual exploitation. Other imagery was recovered the details of which are too severe to report.

In respect of the lewd activity, the officer explained this relates to upskirting imagery of several women, some of whom Dynes has been able to identify to police.

Some of the children believed to be his victims are aged as young as 11 and 12.

The officer said it is believed Dynes held web-cam auditions for life models after advertising on Gumtree.

She was firmly against bail stating Dynes’ current address is no longer regarded as suitable, there are concerns of a public backlash and fears of witness interference.

A defence barrister accepted the charges were serious but urged bail to be agreed as his client has not breached any terms since his arrest in June and had been co-operative and open with police.

But District Judge John Meehan refused on the grounds of a fear of reoffending and witness interference. Concluding he said, “I also have acute concerns as to the safety of vulnerable children.”

He ordered Dynes to be remanded in custody to appear again by video-link on November 18.