JOE BLACK SHOCKS BELFAST AND WARRENPOINT: CONVICTED PAEDOPHILE FREED AND REHABILITATED NEAR CHILDREN

In a disturbing development that has raised serious concerns among local residents and authorities, Joe Black, a convicted paedophile with a long history of sexual offenses against minors, has been seen walking the streets of Belfast and Warrenpoint. Last week, reporters from Sunday Life confronted Black outside the Salvation Army’s Calder Fountain facility in Belfast city centre, a location that has become a focal point of controversy due to his recent placement there.

When approached and questioned about whether he posed a threat to children, Black chose to remain silent. Instead of responding, he suddenly screamed for help from two security guards nearby, drawing attention to himself. The incident occurred as Black was making his way towards Custom House Square, a well-known gathering spot for teenagers and young people, which has now become a source of alarm for community members.

Black’s movements are particularly troubling given the strict conditions of his parole. Under the terms of his release, he is only permitted to leave his residence between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. However, witnesses report that he left his accommodation early last Saturday morning, despite the presence of teenagers already congregating at Custom House Square. Furthermore, it has been observed that Black has been spending his days frequenting local bars and restaurants, enjoying lunches in the vicinity, which raises questions about his compliance with parole restrictions.

Black, who was recently released from Maghaberry Prison after serving time for indecent assault and breaching a sexual offence prevention order, is currently residing in a specially adapted room designated for disabled individuals at the Calder Fountain facility. The cost to taxpayers for housing him in this facility is estimated at a staggering £26,000 annually. The accommodation is shared with vulnerable young adults suffering from severe mental health issues, a situation that has sparked outrage among staff and community advocates.

According to a senior Salvation Army source, staff members are “furious” that Black has been placed in Calder Fountain. The source explained, “Black was only placed in the facility because nowhere else would take him. He should never have been placed in Calder because this is a unit which cares for vulnerable young adults. He has one of the biggest rooms in the building, yet there is nothing wrong with him. This room should be given to someone who has a severe disability.”

Adding to the concerns, the source revealed that Black is aware of his privileged position and is exploiting it. Despite not being situated near any schools, he is just a short distance from the city centre, making his presence in such a sensitive area highly problematic. There are also reports that he was recently caught lurking in a floor of the unit where young people reside, further fueling fears about his intentions.

Efforts to obtain an official comment from the Salvation Army have been met with resistance. Linda Campbell, a spokeswoman for the organization, initially promised a statement but later declined to comment, stating, “We are not going to issue any comment now. I’m sorry about this, but we’ve changed our mind.”

Local political figures have expressed their deep concern over Black’s release and current placement. Jim Rodgers, a senior Ulster Unionist councillor and former lord mayor, described the situation as “deeply disturbing.” He stated, “This greatly concerns me that a convicted paedophile who has never shown any remorse is being housed with vulnerable young adults. I’m also worried that this man is just a few yards away from the city centre and from locations where teenagers meet on a daily basis.”

Rodgers emphasized that while the Salvation Army is a caring organization, housing Black in such proximity to places frequented by children is a serious risk. “This man could be hanging around anywhere, and parents wouldn’t even know,” he added.

Black’s criminal history is extensive. In 1987, he was jailed for a brutal sex attack on a young boy in Warrenpoint. He was released in 1999 after serving a five-year sentence but was forced to flee the Downpatrick area after residents raised concerns about his past. His whereabouts remained unknown until he was arrested again in 2006 for indecent assault. Following a period on remand, he was convicted and subsequently released earlier this month.

Community members and officials fear that Black’s release and current living arrangements make it only a matter of time before he commits further offenses. A Salvation Army source warned, “Make no mistake about it — this man is very intelligent and very cunning. He has never shown any remorse for his crimes. He was jailed in the 1990s, but it didn’t take him long to commit other crimes against children. He just can’t help himself. Parents should be concerned that this man is now back on the streets. He is very devious, and people should be keeping a close eye on him because he will never change.”