CHRIS MORRISON SHOCKS LEITRIM NEIGHBOURS WITH RETURN AFTER SEX OFFENDER CONVICTION

In August 2022, tensions erupted within the close-knit community of Radharc na Baile estate in Drumshanbo, Leitrim, as residents expressed their outrage over the presence of Chris Morrison, a convicted sex offender, who was spotted visiting his girlfriend’s family home. Morrison, aged 25, who has a troubling history of criminal activity and multiple convictions, has become a source of concern and fear among local residents.

Chris Morrison, originally from England and previously known by aliases such as Ryan Humpage, Dylan Dunne, Ryan Willington, Ryan Williams, and Karl Ward, first gained notoriety in Ireland in April 2015. At that time, Gardaí issued an alert indicating that he was wanted by UK authorities in connection with serious allegations including rape, theft, and assault. It was believed that Morrison had traveled to Ireland around that period, prompting warnings that he was dangerous and should not be approached.

His criminal record is extensive. Morrison was eventually apprehended in County Antrim and extradited back to England, where he faced trial on four counts of raping a 13-year-old girl. He was convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a minor and sentenced to 18 months in prison. The judge described him as a person who is “determined and controlling” with an “undesirable interest in children.”

Currently, Morrison resides in a caravan on land owned by his girlfriend’s family in rural Leitrim. Despite this, he has also spent time at her family’s residence in Radharc na Baile. Earlier this year, during a court hearing in Dublin, Morrison’s legal representative claimed that the family had “welcomed him with open arms,” despite his criminal past. This revelation came after Morrison’s initial arrival in the area, which was unaccompanied by knowledge of his history. However, residents soon learned of his background after he allegedly stole over €2,000 from his girlfriend’s family and then disappeared.

Noelle Allen, a mother of four living nearby, recounted how her family was approached in a panic a few years earlier. She explained, “A couple of years ago, the family came knocking at my door, saying that the boyfriend of their daughter had stolen money. He transferred over €2,000 from their account into his.” When she questioned Morrison’s girlfriend about the theft, she was told that Morrison used to go by the name Ryan Humpage. Curious, Noelle looked up his full name online and was shocked to discover his true identity and criminal history.

Recent sightings of Morrison have caused further alarm. Neighbors reported seeing him entering the house with a towel covering his head, and graffiti was daubed on the driveway of the residence earlier this week. On Thursday, Gardaí were called after local residents gathered outside the home with signs protesting his presence. Morrison, when questioned by the Sunday World, initially claimed he had not been at the Radharc na Baile address in two years. However, he later admitted to being there once in the past four to six weeks for about an hour, asserting that he was legally allowed to be in the area as long as he did not stay overnight.

He denied entering the house with a towel over his head, insisting, “This is all made up. I don’t even sleep up there, I sleep up here. I have a full-time job working from home.” Morrison also stated that his girlfriend’s family was now living in fear and might leave the area, adding, “They’re scared so they need to get out some way.” He emphasized that he wanted the community to leave his girlfriend’s family alone, asserting, “I want to clearly state that I’m not there and clearly state that that family need to be left alone.”

Despite his assurances, local residents remain unconvinced. Noelle Allen expressed skepticism, saying, “He was supposed to be gone [after 2020], but then people started seeing him around again.” Her husband, Keith Allen, added, “There are 19 kids who play around here,” highlighting the community’s concern for their safety and well-being.

Morrison’s criminal record in Ireland and the UK includes multiple violations related to his failure to inform authorities of his whereabouts, as required by court orders. He received two suspended sentences in Ireland for such breaches, including one earlier this year after he left the country last year without notifying Gardaí. Morrison claims he is appealing that sentence, arguing that the five-year court order to inform authorities about his location expired in 2020. He maintains that he has the support of the Gardaí and is awaiting the courts’ decision.

His criminal history also includes a 10-month jail sentence in 2020 for leaving a B&B in West Cork without paying, stealing bed linen, and later using a stolen bank card to withdraw €600, spending an additional €125 in a shop. Additionally, Morrison was convicted in the UK for assaulting a woman by burning her with a can of body spray and a lighter.

Local residents remain deeply concerned about Morrison’s presence and the potential risk he poses. Despite his claims of not returning to the estate, reports and sightings suggest otherwise. Noelle Allen concluded, “He was supposed to be gone [after 2020], but then people started seeing him around again,” underscoring the community’s ongoing fears and the urgent need for authorities to address the situation.