Sex offender had 'no access to your children'

Ian Desmond Kernohan (23) of Tullyarton Road, Coleraine, appeared at North Antrim Magistrates’ Court in Coleraine last month where he was refused bail on a charge of being in breach of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

Court heard that Kernohan , who is currently serving three years probation for an offence against a six-year-old girl, enrolled on a Prince’s Trust scheme at the Northern Regional College, Coleraine.

It was stated that during his temporary placement he came in contact with young persons under the age of 18 during a work project at Focus on Family - in breach of the court order.

Last week Brendan Patterson, Project Manager at Focus on Family has issued the following statement in relation to the matter.

He said: “Unfortunately, there was an incident whereby a participant on the Prince’s Trust Programme attended our centre as part of the community placement element that all participants on the programme undergo.

“It later materialised that the individual in question was a registered sex offender and should not have attended any venue that is considered to be child-centred.

“There have been reports in some local and national papers that could appear to suggest that the individual was either volunteering or working at the centre or had direct access to children whilst he attended his placement.

“I wish to make it absolutely clear that the individual in question would never have been employed as a volunteer or staff member as we rigorously vet all potential volunteers and staff and run police checks to ensure that they are suitable to work at our centre.

“Due to the large number of students enrolling each year, the Northern Regional College do not vet students on the Prince’s Trust Programme and that is why this individual was able to gain a place on the Programme.”

Mr Patterson added: “The Prince’s Trust Team was present for a week towards the end of May, where they helped with various tasks, such as painting the outside fence and tidying up the garden at the front of the building.

“During the week, the participants worked outside and never had access to the children in our care. Focus on Family have a double security system, both at the main door and the crche doors and staff are always extra vigilant to ensure the utmost safety of the children in our care.

“Whilst, this incident is regrettable, I wish to assure all our parents and house-users that the children’s safety was never once compromised and that all our policies and procedures to ensure our children’s protection were followed completely.

“Finally, I would be glad to speak with any parents or house-users who may still have any concerns regarding this incident as we pride ourselves on our ability to take the very best care of your children at all times. I can be contacted on 028 7032 9550.”