Dungannon sex offender admits breaching order to prevent re-offending over seven-month period

A sex offender who was placed under a court order to prevent re-offending has admitted breaching it over a seven month period.
Dungannon CourthouseDungannon Courthouse
Dungannon Courthouse

Cathal Francis Hughes, 61, from Beechvalley, Dungannon - but currently bailed to reside at a hostel - pleaded guilty to breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) from September 2015 until March 2016 by contacting a young person by digital communication – an act he was expressly forbidden from doing.

Hughes had been placed under the SOPO following his release from a custodial sentence for having numerous indecent images of children.

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The breach was detected when police investigating an alleged related matter, called with Hughes.

District Judge John Meehan ruled that pre-sentence reports were necessary. Hughes was remanded on continuing bail and is to be sentenced on August 31.