Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
‘PAEDO HUNTING’ HALTED IN ULSTER
Court told all actions have ceased over past week
ALL self-styled paedophile-hunting groups in Northern Ireland have halted their activities, the High Court heard yesterday.
A judge was told they ceased within the last week amid ongoing police investigations into their operations.
The disclosure came as bail was granted to a 24-year-old man accused of acting as a decoy to lure one target into a meeting then broadcast live online.
Prosecutors claimed Caolan Murray was part of a group who held the man and threatened to out him during an encounter viewed on Facebook.
The accused also allegedly brandished a laserguided crossbow in a related incident.
He faces charges of false imprisonment, attempted intimidation, common assault and possession of an offensive weapon.
A Crown lawyer said Murray is accused of participating in a sting operation against the injured party on January 18.
The barrister said: “He posed as a decoy and arranged to meet this person.”
The man went to an agreed location where he was allegedly held against his will and accused of having arranged to meet a 14-year-old for sexual purposes.
Murray, of Mark Court in Lurgan, Co Armagh, was arrested after a further online posting on February 22 where he allegedly referred to his role in the earlier incident. The prosecution claimed he also went to the injured party’s home that day armed with a crossbow. It was claimed the weapon was fired at that confrontation – despite no bolt being loaded on to it.
Lord Justice Treacy was told police believe the incident may be linked to a grudge between two families.
The prosecutor added: “Police think the action taken against them so far has resulted in a message being sent out, and others desisting in their activities.”
Granting bail, the judge stressed he would probably have refused the application if police had opposed Murray’s release. He ordered him to have no contact with the injured party, his family, or anyone previously confronted about alleged sexual offending.
Murray was also banned from using social media, online dating apps and directed to cease any activities associated with paedophile-hunting groups.
BELFAST COURT YESTERDAY