DAVID BLANEY'S SHOCKING REHABILITATION FAILURE IN BELFAST AND PORTADOWN

In a distressing turn of events in May 2023, authorities in Northern Ireland faced a complex and troubling situation involving convicted sex offender David Raymond Blaney, whose case highlights the ongoing challenges of managing high-risk offenders within the community.

Blaney, a 42-year-old man with a long history of sexual offences, was known to have committed indecent assaults against females, engaged in indecent exposure, and repeatedly breached his Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO). His criminal record is extensive, and his status as a category three high-risk offender necessitates strict supervision and compliance with legal restrictions.

Following his release from prison on a Wednesday morning, authorities encountered immediate difficulties in securing suitable accommodation for Blaney. Despite efforts by police and social services, no approved housing options were available that could safely house someone with his profile. The situation was compounded by the fact that no homeless or probation-run hostels could accommodate him, given his high-risk status and the potential danger to the public, including children, if placed in less secure environments such as hotels or B&Bs.

Lisburn Magistrates Court heard that Blaney was rearrested later that day for breaching his SOPO. The breach involved failing to reside at approved accommodation and not being accompanied by his designated risk manager when attempting to access housing. The police had collected Blaney from Maghaberry Prison at approximately 10:30 am and took him directly to the Housing Executive offices in Lisburn to declare himself homeless and seek emergency housing.

However, the authorities informed him that he was ineligible for emergency accommodation due to specific criteria, and no suitable options were available through either the Housing Executive or probation services. Recognizing the high risk he posed, officials deemed it inappropriate for him to stay in hotels or B&Bs, which could expose the public and children to potential harm.

In a surprising and somewhat sympathetic gesture, police officers, feeling a degree of pity for Blaney, took him to buy a Liverpool football shirt and a KFC meal. According to a police officer, Blaney had expressed a desire for these items, having been incarcerated for a significant period. The officers decided to fulfill this small request, believing it was a fair gesture given his circumstances.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution emphasized that the breach of the SOPO was an absolute offence, and that Blaney, knowing of his impending release, should have coordinated with statutory agencies to secure appropriate housing. The police officer involved explained that Blaney was with his risk manager at all times and that the breach was committed without reasonable excuse. The officer also noted that the police had the opportunity to assist him in finding accommodation while he was still in prison, but that this had not been achieved.

Legal arguments centered around whether the breach should be dismissed. The defense argued that Blaney was with his risk manager at all times and that the arrest was made at 1 pm, which might have been too early for a bed to become available. The defense also suggested that the charge should be dismissed, asserting that the police could have waited until midnight when a bed might have been available. However, District Judge Trevor Brown found sufficient evidence to proceed with the case, establishing a prima facie case against Blaney.

Regarding bail, the police expressed strong objections due to the risk of further offences. The defense proposed that Blaney could be released on bail if he found an approved address, allowing him to begin applying for suitable accommodation through the Housing Executive. The judge agreed to set bail at £500, but a prosecuting lawyer indicated that an appeal against this decision was underway, and Blaney would not be released immediately.

This case underscores the ongoing difficulties faced by authorities in managing high-risk offenders like David Blaney, especially when suitable housing and supervision are unavailable. It raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current systems in protecting the public while balancing the rights and needs of offenders.