FRANK MASSEY CAUGHT IN BANBRIDGE AND DUNDALK: SHOCKING CHILD OFFENDER'S CRIMES AND RESTRICTIONS

In December 2017, authorities issued a stark warning regarding Frank Massey, a convicted sex offender with a disturbing history involving child abuse images and inappropriate contact with minors. The Gardaí have raised alarms that Massey, originally from the North, may be active in towns along the Irish Border, including Dundalk, Banbridge, and Dungannon.

Frank Massey’s image has been circulated widely after he was officially banned from every church in Ireland, a measure taken due to his past offenses and ongoing risk to children. The Gardaí have expressed concern that Massey, who claims to have recently found religion, might be attempting to re-engage with minors under the guise of religious or social activities.

Despite his claims of spiritual renewal, Massey has been prohibited from entering any leisure centers across Ireland. His restrictions are comprehensive: he is barred from approaching within 50 meters of children in public spaces or areas where minors under 17 are present. Additionally, he is required to notify the Gardaí at least 48 hours before attending any prayer group or religious gathering, indicating the authorities’ vigilance over his movements.

Further restrictions include a ban on the use of computers, a measure aimed at preventing access to child abuse material. These conditions were initially imposed in Northern Ireland but were transferred to the Republic of Ireland after a court hearing held at Dundalk Circuit Court in County Louth in October. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating Massey’s case.

Despite these strict conditions, law enforcement officials believe Massey is operating under the alias Francis Matthews. A Garda source revealed, “Massey is very cunning and is a real danger to children. He’s under some of the most stringent conditions in the country but often ignores them. He’s still living in the North but has been spending more time in County Louth because he’s convinced no one will recognize him.” The Gardaí have confirmed that Massey has been seen in Dundalk and that any breach of his conditions will result in immediate arrest.

Massey’s criminal history includes a five-month imprisonment in 2012 for possessing indecent images of children. He has also been spotted in Monaghan, raising concerns about his movements and intentions.

In addition to his criminal record, Massey’s activities have repeatedly brought him before the courts. In September 2013, he was convicted of breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) by making phone calls, sending texts, and Facebook messages to minors aged 13 and 15. The court heard that Massey, then 61 and residing in Banbridge, had previously been jailed for possessing child abuse images. His breaches included offering to take children out for burgers, a disturbing indication of his ongoing predatory behavior.

Earlier, in December 2011, Massey pleaded guilty to possessing 17 indecent images of children at Dungannon Crown Court. The charges spanned from March 2005 to February 2011. His case was scheduled for trial but was resolved with a guilty plea before jury selection. The court ordered pre-sentence reports and remanded him on bail, with strict conditions including reporting to police three times weekly, avoiding contact with minors, and staying away from public libraries, internet cafes, swimming pools, and leisure centers. He is also prohibited from entering a one-mile radius of a designated primary school.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 15 at Omagh Crown Court, where Massey will also be required to register as a sex offender. His past involvement with the 1st Dungannon Linfield Supporters Club adds to the public concern over his activities and the ongoing efforts to monitor and restrict his movements.