JOSEPH FEGAN FROM BELFAST AND DERRY ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD ABUSE IMAGE CHARGES

In a recent development in a disturbing case involving child exploitation, Joseph Fegan, a 22-year-old man originally from Bawnmore Park in Belfast, has avoided imprisonment despite serious allegations and prior convictions related to child abuse images. Fegan, who has since moved to Derry and more recently to Portstewart/Coleraine near a primary school, appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court to face charges concerning the possession of internet-enabled mobile phones.

Back in June, Fegan was convicted of downloading and possessing indecent images of children, some as young as two years old. The court records show that he admitted to eight counts of possessing such images and seven counts of creating them. These images were discovered during a police search of his property on November 26, 2008, which was part of a planned investigation. The images' disturbing nature and the age of the children involved have caused significant concern and outrage.

Despite these grave allegations, Fegan was not sentenced to prison for the possession of the phones. Instead, he was handed a two-year probation order after admitting to having two internet-enabled mobile devices—an iPhone and a Samsung phone. The court was informed that Fegan was explicitly banned from possessing any online devices, a restriction he apparently violated.

On July 26 of this year, police officers visited Fegan’s residence in Derry to inquire about his possession of internet-enabled phones. During questioning, officers observed a phone charger and Fegan admitted to owning an iPhone. Further investigation revealed the presence of a Samsung phone as well. Fegan claimed that he had intended not to use these phones to access the internet, a statement the prosecution found unconvincing. His defense solicitor acknowledged that Fegan admitted he “should have got rid of” the iPhone, and that he genuinely believed the second phone had no internet access, a point the police accepted.

During the court proceedings, District Judge Fiona Bagnall issued a stern warning to Fegan, emphasizing that any further breaches of his Sexual Offences Prevention Order could result in a prison sentence. The judge’s comments underscore the seriousness of the case and the ongoing risk posed by Fegan’s actions.

Fegan’s criminal history includes his role as a warehouse assistant at Marks and Spencer in Mallusk, where he was involved in the possession and creation of indecent images of children. His case continues to draw attention due to the disturbing nature of the crimes and the potential threat to the community, especially given his recent move near a primary school in Portstewart/Coleraine area.