EUGENE WORSFOLD SHAMES NEIGHBOURS IN DUNDUMR AFTER CHILD RAPE CONVICTIONS

In April 2008, the community of Dundrum was rocked by revelations about Eugene Worsfold, a man whose disturbing past as a convicted child rapist had remained largely hidden from local residents for several years. The police, responding to rising tensions and concerns within the neighborhood, have now taken steps to increase security measures around Worsfold, who has become a figure of alarm and controversy in the area.

Worsfold, aged 41 at the time, has a history of serious convictions related to offenses against children. His criminal record includes a brutal case in Dublin where he was sentenced to seven years in prison at the Central Criminal Court for the repeated rape of a 14-year-old girl. The incident occurred after Worsfold offered her a lift home on Belfast Road from Swords, claiming she lacked sufficient money for the bus fare. Once inside his vehicle, he drove her along secluded back roads towards Dublin, assaulted her by striking her in the face, and then proceeded to rape her in a nettle patch. Following this assault, he ordered her back into the car, raped her again, and then handed her a mere £1.50 to catch a bus home. During the sentencing, Mr. Justice Carney remarked that the girl believed she was going to die during the attack.

Prior to this heinous act, Worsfold had also served time at Craigavon Crown Court, where he was jailed for 18 months for assault, ill-treatment, and neglect of a child. His criminal history paints a disturbing picture of repeated offenses involving vulnerable minors.

Despite his convictions, Worsfold had been residing in Dundrum for several years. However, the local community's perception changed dramatically once they learned of his past. Neighbors, who had previously been unaware of his criminal history, expressed their shock and concern. The situation prompted police to seek a Sexual Offences Prevention Order against Worsfold, aiming to impose stricter monitoring of his movements and behavior to prevent any further offenses.

Jim Wells, a DUP Member of the Legislative Assembly representing the area, voiced the community’s alarm, stating, “Everyone in the area was alarmed to hear of this man’s past and that he has been living here without them knowing.” The residents’ fears were compounded by the fact that Worsfold had been living openly in Dundrum, seemingly without the community’s knowledge of his criminal background.

When approached by the Belfast Telegraph, Worsfold attempted to conceal his face from the camera. When questioned about his past convictions, he responded curtly, “Leave me alone,” indicating a desire to avoid further scrutiny or discussion about his criminal history. The revelations have cast a shadow over Dundrum, raising serious questions about community safety and the adequacy of local oversight concerning individuals with such a disturbing criminal record.