Man refused bail over alleged plan to meet child in Manchester
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 17:02 · Archive
A 51-year-old man from County Down was refused bail after allegedly planning to travel to Manchester for a sexual encounter with a child. John Broome, of Ballyward near Castlewellan, is facing prosecution following a sting operation broadcast live online. The alleged offences occurred between 25 August and 3 September this year.
Broome is charged with attempted sexual communication with a child, breaching his Sexual Offences Prevention Order, arranging to meet someone under 16 following grooming, inciting a child to watch sexual activity, and attempting to get them to engage in sexual acts. A prosecutor told the High Court in Belfast that 'he was well aware the age was 14, and he continued to encourage her to engage in sexual activity' and 'he intended to travel to Manchester to meet her'. The prosecutor also noted that the sting operation was live-streamed on the internet, meaning Broome's name and address were broadcast to the area.
Broome's defence counsel argued that alleged breaches of his Sexual Offences Prevention Order related to consuming or possessing alcohol, and suggested his client could surrender any devices and be banned from going online as release conditions. Mr Justice Scoffield refused bail, describing the application as 'highly ambitious' and ruling that Broome posed too great a risk to be released.
How it is being reported
- NI man was allegedly set to travel to Manchester for sexual encounter with child, court hearsThe 51-year-old is facing prosecution following a sting operation broadcast live onlineBelfast Live · 26 Oct, 16:36
- NI man allegedly set to travel to Manchester for sexual encounter with child, High Court hearsBelfast Telegraph · 26 Oct, 15:44
In this story: John Broome · County Down · Manchester · Ballyward · Castlewellan
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