JAMES MCGIVERN LURGAN ORANGE ORDER SEX OFFENDER BAN REVEALED

In a significant development within the community of Lurgan, James McGivern, a 57-year-old resident of Lime Grove, found himself at the center of a legal and social controversy following his recent court appearance. The proceedings stemmed from concerns raised by parents in the Craigavon area, who reported that McGivern had approached their children near schools, prompting authorities to take decisive action to protect the local youth.

During the court session held last Monday, magistrates issued an order explicitly prohibiting McGivern from entering or loitering in areas frequented by children, including schools, parks, playgrounds, and teenage discos. This legal restriction was a direct response to allegations that he posed a potential threat to the safety and well-being of young people in the community.

James McGivern’s background includes two convictions for sex offences dating back to the early 1990s. Despite these past convictions, he maintained his membership in the Orange Order, specifically within the Derrykeevin Temperance Lodge (LOL 352) based in Portadown. He is also affiliated with the Free Presbyterian Church in Portadown, led by the prominent religious figure Ian Paisley. The lodge he belongs to is known for its strict adherence to teetotalism, rooted in religious principles.

Under the rules governing the Orange Order, a member can face expulsion if found guilty of conduct deemed 'unbecoming of an Orangeman.' However, despite McGivern’s criminal record, he continued to participate in lodge activities and was seen attending protests at Drumcree, raising questions about the enforcement of these rules.

Law enforcement officers from the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) successfully argued in court that McGivern’s presence near places where children gather constituted a significant risk. As a result, the court granted a movement restriction order under the 1997 Sex Offenders Order, marking a historic moment as it was the first time police powers under this legislation were used to limit the movements of a convicted sex offender in Northern Ireland.

The court’s decision was influenced by recent events, notably an incident involving a nine-year-old girl in Lurgan. Her parents alleged that McGivern approached her as she was leaving school, which led to the imposition of a five-year order designed to prevent any further contact or proximity to children. If McGivern is found near restricted areas, he can be subject to arrest and further legal action, emphasizing the seriousness of the measures taken to safeguard the community.