A convicted sex-offender who admitted charges of harassment and breaching an order imposed after he was sentenced for previous offending has been jailed, with a judge heavily critical of his attitude toward Probation Services staff while preparing a pre-sentence report.
Paul Newell (27) from Ashdene Heights, Dungannon pursued a course of conduct amounting to harassment of a woman between June 18 and June 21.
He further breached a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) between April 15 and June 21 by failing to disclose he had entered into a relationship with a woman and had contact with a child in the process, both of which he was prohibited from doing.
A detective constable from the PSNI Public Protection Branch previously explained police received a report that Newell had been in a sexual relationship which he had not disclosed to his Designated Risk Manager or the woman in question.
She said the relationship ended when she discovered he had criminal convictions which she knew nothing about when they met.
Following her decision to call off the relationship Newel sent her a number of messages on Snapchat and Messenger, as well as phoning her several times, despite her asking him to stop.
This left her distressed and fearful.
Further calls were made while she was in the PSNI station making a statement.
It was estimated Newell had spent around two-and-a-half hours in the presence of her child, without police or Social Services approval.
The SOPO was granted in October 2023 at Dungannon Crown Court for separate sexual offending and runs for 10 years, prohibiting access, association, contact or communication with any child under 18 without approval.
He is also banned from entering any romantic or sexual relationship without prior disclosure of his convictions.
Newell was arrested and made a number of admissions during interview around breaching the SOPO, however he denied harassment and being in the presence of the child.
The detective added: “During three previous home visits, officers explained the SOPO conditions and the defendant had contact details should he need to discuss any aspect of these.”
Last month a defence barrister told Dungannon Magistrates’ Court all charges were accepted after which the case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports.
On return District Judge Francis Rafferty was scathing of Newell’s attitude, having learned the interview for preparation of reports had to be terminated because he became aggressive, telling the probation officer, “everyone thinks this is a joke – the judge, the police and my solicitor.”
Judge Rafferty remarked: “It’s certainly not a joke. Do you see anyone laughing?”
The defence said Newell “accepts he was out of line and wishes to apologise.”
But the judge told Newell: “You have a previous crown court conviction involving a different child for which you were given a suspended sentence. Your race is run.”
He imposed a sentence of eight months custody and referred the existing suspended term back to Dungannon Crown Court where it will be decided if it is to be activated.
Newell was also bound by a Restraining Order preventing him contacting the latest victim or going within the area of her home.
