KENNETH MENAGH FROM BALLYNAHINCH CAUGHT IN SEXUAL GROOMING PLOT WITH POLICE DECOY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

In July 2018, a serious incident involving a known sex offender from Ballynahinch unfolded, highlighting ongoing concerns about online grooming and the safety of minors in Northern Ireland. The case was brought before the High Court, where it was revealed that Kenneth Menagh, aged 48, had engaged in illicit online communications with a police decoy posing as a 14-year-old girl. Prosecutors detailed how Menagh, who resides on Lisburn Street in Ballynahinch, believed he was speaking to a young girl and was attempting to initiate a sexual relationship with her.

Menagh was facing multiple serious charges, including breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, attempting sexual communication with a minor, and attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming activities. Despite the gravity of these allegations, he was granted bail under strict conditions, which included a ban on accessing any social media or dating platforms. This measure was intended to prevent further online contact with minors and to mitigate the risk posed by his actions.

It is important to note that Menagh is already under a court order barring him from associating with anyone under the age of 16. This restriction was imposed following a conviction at Croydon Crown Court the previous year, where it was established that he had traveled to England with the apparent intent to meet a child. The court heard that he had breached the terms of this order earlier in April 2018, through online chats with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl.

During the hearing, Crown lawyer Kate McKay explained that on April 10 of that year, Menagh engaged in online conversations with what he thought was a young girl, but was actually an adult police decoy. She stated, “He engaged with what he believed to be a 14-year-old female child who was, in fact, an adult police decoy.”

Lord Justice Treacy was informed that Menagh had expressed a desire to meet the girl in person and had asked her to undress, indicating a clear intent to pursue a sexual relationship. The defendant also claimed he wanted her to become his girlfriend for real. At one point, he accused her of being a paedophile hunter, but continued the conversation nonetheless. Prosecutors highlighted that Menagh requested photographs and showed a desire to see her undress, which raised significant concerns about his intentions.

Opposing bail, Crown counsel Mrs. McKay argued that the potential risk Menagh posed could not be adequately managed, given the nature of the offences and his history. Despite these concerns, Lord Justice Treacy decided to grant bail, citing the amount of time Menagh had already spent in custody and the importance of ensuring fair legal process. The case underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals like Menagh, who seek to exploit online platforms to target minors, and the importance of strict enforcement of court orders designed to protect vulnerable children.