Suspended sentence for convicted sex offender who breached Sexual Offences Prevention Order
Mark Riley (51) of Banks of the Faughan B & B outside Derry had been convicted at Newtownards court for sex offences and a SOPO was imposed on March 14 last year
A convicted sex offender who breached a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) by being in possession of an Internet enabled phone without permission has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrates' Court.
Mark Riley (51) of Banks of the Faughan B & B outside Derry had been convicted at Newtownards court for sex offences and a SOPO was imposed on March 14 last year.
The court heard that Riley had recently moved to the Derry area and when registering with the police he had said he had no mobile phone.
However, police learned from the Housing Executive that Riley had a mobile and he was arrested for breaching his order.
Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said his client had gone to England in breach of his order after receiving a threat in the Newtownards area.
He was jailed for that and on release came to Derry and registered with police.
The solicitor said that when he was asked about having a phone he 'panicked' and said he had not.
District Judge Barney McElholm said his concern was what was on the phone which would take some time to be checked.
Mr MacDermott said Riley was 'adamant' there was nothing on the phone.
Judge McElholm said if the defendant was prepared to swear on the Bible that there was nothing on the phone he was prepared to deal with the case but if this was found to be wrong then Riley would be guilty of perjury.
After consulting with his client the solicitor said he was prepared to swear.
After taking an oath and maintaining there was nothing on the phone Riley was sentenced to five months in prison suspended for two years.