DAVID CHULAN ARRESTED IN LIMERICK: UK SEX OFFENDER FROM NOTTINGHAM CAUGHT NEAR CAPPANAFAHA

In December 2012, authorities in County Limerick apprehended David Chulan, a known sex offender originally from Nottingham, who was found walking in the vicinity of Cappanafanaha, Bruree. Chulan, aged 51 and described as a tall, slim black male with dreadlocks, was discovered by Gardaí while he was strolling along the N20 Limerick-Cork Road.

Chulan’s arrest was prompted by reports from a motorist who nearly collided with him on the road. Garda Ken O’Day responded to the scene around 5:30 pm on Sunday, December 2. Upon approaching, Garda O’Day noted that Chulan was dressed in dark clothing and emitted a strong smell of alcohol. The officer observed that Chulan appeared unsteady on his feet, which led to his immediate detention for his own safety. During the arrest, Chulan refused to provide his first name and was found to be intoxicated.

Further investigation revealed that Chulan was subject to the UK’s sex offenders register, and UK police were contacted to confirm his status. It was established that Chulan had an extensive record of sexual offences in the United Kingdom. According to Superintendent Alan Cunningham, Chulan, who has no fixed address, was prohibited from traveling outside the UK for five years starting April 19, to prevent him from harming children through sexual misconduct.

Chulan was charged with multiple offenses, including public intoxication, refusing to disclose his identity and address to Gardaí on the road, and failing to notify authorities of his details upon entering Ireland on October 25. Despite these charges, Chulan maintained that he had provided his name and denied being intoxicated. He claimed to have left Patrickswell at 9 am, traveled through Croom, and reached his destination around 2 pm, asserting that there was no opportunity to consume alcohol during his journey.

During questioning, Superintendent Cunningham challenged Chulan’s assertions, suggesting that his behavior and appearance indicated he was not intoxicated. Chulan expressed ignorance of the legal requirement to register under the sex offenders act in a foreign country, claiming he was unaware of the obligation to sign on outside the UK. He stated, “It was my ignorance. If I was aware I had to sign on I would not have come.”

Chulan also expressed a desire to avoid police involvement, asserting that he had no other complaints against him and that he had not committed any crimes in Ireland. While he has no prior convictions in Ireland, his UK record is extensive, with authorities confirming his status as a sex offender under UK law.

Judge Mary Larkin presided over the case, noting that another court had previously issued a serious order against Chulan. During the hearing, Chulan declared, “I am not guilty. Whether found guilty or not. The judicial system does not work in the UK. It imprisons a lot of innocent people and I am one of them. My apologies for not signing on here.” The judge dismissed his claims of ignorance, stating she did not believe he was unaware of his obligations.

Chulan was fined €300 for intoxication and received a six-month suspended sentence for failing to notify authorities of his details, conditional upon his immediate registration as required by law. Following his court appearance, Superintendent Cunningham confirmed that after the Gardaí in Bruff alerted their counterparts in England, an extradition warrant was issued for Chulan. He was subsequently transferred to the High Court in Dublin, where he was remanded in custody pending extradition proceedings. The superintendent emphasized the ongoing danger posed by individuals like Chulan, citing the ease of access from England to Ireland as a significant concern for community safety. He praised the quick response of the Gardaí and the individual who reported Chulan’s presence, highlighting the importance of vigilance in protecting the public from potential harm.