JOSEPH MCCAULEY FROM BALLYMAGROARTY EXPOSES HIMSELF TO YOUNG GIRLS IN DERRY

In November 2012, Joseph McCauley, a man previously incarcerated, was released from prison and returned to the Ballymagroarty area of Derry, raising concerns among local residents and authorities alike.

Back in June 2009, McCauley, then aged 28 and formerly residing at Dunluce Court in Ballymagroarty, was convicted of a series of disturbing sexual misconducts involving young girls. He was sentenced to a total of five and a half years in prison for his actions, which involved exposing himself to minors over a span of two years.

The Derry Crown Court heard detailed accounts of McCauley's offending behavior, which took place across several neighborhoods, including Galliagh, the Bogside, and Ballymagroarty, between May 8, 2006, and May 18, 2008. During this period, he targeted eighteen girls aged between eight and ten years old, engaging in acts that caused significant alarm and distress within the community.

Initially, Judge Patrick Lynch QC sentenced McCauley to two and a half years. However, recognizing the severity and ongoing risk posed by his actions, the judge invoked new legislation to extend the sentence by an additional three years, bringing the total to five and a half years. The judge emphasized that McCauley's behavior represented a 'significant risk' of causing serious harm, and he described the conduct as 'absolutely intolerable.'

In addition to the custodial sentence, the court imposed a sexual offences prevention order, which explicitly prohibits McCauley from having any contact with individuals under the age of 18. Furthermore, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for an indefinite period, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Prosecution lawyer Jackie Orr QC provided further details, recounting that in one incident, McCauley approached two young girls and asked if they wanted to see “a birdie,” before exposing himself. On another occasion, he engaged in a disturbing 'guessing game' with girls about what was in his trousers. Ms. Orr highlighted that probation services had assessed McCauley as posing a 'serious risk of harm' and expressed concerns that his behavior could escalate into more serious, contact-based sexual offenses.

She pointed out that these incidents were not isolated but part of a disturbing pattern of behavior, with similar approaches and age groups involved in each case. The pattern indicated a troubling escalation that required strict legal intervention.

Defense lawyer Eilis McDermott QC acknowledged McCauley's remorse, stating that while her client was “relieved to be able to confess the nature of his behavior,” it was a difficult process for him. She also conveyed that McCauley and his family were deeply concerned about his safety upon release and that he was likely to leave Derry and the surrounding county altogether. McDermott emphasized that her client was ‘not without hope for the future’ but stressed the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for his offending.

Judge Lynch, addressing the court, condemned McCauley's actions, stating, “This kind of behavior is absolutely intolerable in society. We are becoming more and more aware of the damage caused to young children by exposure to sexual miscreants.” He expressed awareness of the potential harm inflicted on the victims and underscored the need for strict punishment.

Following the sentencing, the families of two of the victims expressed their satisfaction with the court's decision. However, they voiced concerns about McCauley's imminent release, fearing that he might leave Derry and potentially pose a continued threat. One mother shared that her daughter, affected by the incidents, was now seeking counseling and was no longer comfortable going out alone, even with her sisters. She described her daughter’s increased anxiety and the protective measures they had to adopt.

The families expressed relief that McCauley was apprehended when he was, acknowledging that the situation could have worsened. They also highlighted the ongoing impact on their children, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and continued support for the victims in the aftermath of these disturbing events.