MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM FROM KILKEEL AND NEWRY: SHOCKING SEX OFFENDER SCANDAL AT LOCAL LEISURE CENTRE

In February 2005, growing concerns emerged among parents and community members in Newry regarding the presence of Michael Cunningham, a man with a deeply troubling criminal history, at a local leisure centre. Many parents threatened to organize protests and picket the facility, citing fears for the safety of children who regularly use the centre's amenities.

Michael Cunningham, a 52-year-old former councillor from Kilkeel, had previously been convicted of serious child sex offences. In 1999, Cunningham admitted to committing 13 counts of child sexual abuse, with the earliest offenses dating back to 1979. His criminal actions spanned over two decades, involving multiple victims and various locations. Following his conviction, Cunningham served a 12-month prison sentence, which he completed in 2000.

Despite his release, reports indicate that Cunningham was observed using the Newry city leisure centre several weeks prior to the current concerns being raised. This has caused alarm among parents and guardians, especially given the nature of his past crimes. One parent expressed their fears openly, stating, “There are an awful lot of children who use that centre and I would worry about them with someone like that around, especially in the changing rooms.” The community members are now demanding that the local council take action to prevent Cunningham from accessing the facility again.

The local council has responded cautiously, stating that they cannot comment on individual cases or specific users of council property. However, a spokeswoman indicated that they would conduct “any necessary investigation” into the matter. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials have clarified that there is little they can do to restrict Cunningham’s presence at the leisure centre. A police spokeswoman explained, “Only some members of the sex offenders’ register will have special conditions barring them from certain places like schools or pools,” implying that Cunningham’s current status does not legally prohibit him from being on the premises.

Adding to the ongoing controversy, Cunningham’s criminal history is extensive. In November 1999, he was sentenced to two years in prison for sexually assaulting two young girls, with the offences occurring up to 20 years prior. The court heard that Cunningham, a member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), first assaulted one of the girls when she was just nine years old. The abuse continued frequently over several years, with the victim being subjected to assaults in various locations until she reached the age of 14.

The victim came forward two years before Cunningham’s sentencing, after discovering that he was working as a school bus driver and serving on a school board of governors. During the trial, Cunningham’s defense acknowledged the shame and humiliation he brought upon himself, his family, and the SDLP. The court also sentenced him to one year on probation and ordered that he be placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years. Following his conviction, Cunningham resigned from his position as a councillor in Newry and Mourne.

Earlier in September 1999, Cunningham had admitted to 13 charges of child sex abuse in a plea deal at Newry Crown Court. He was 51 years old at the time and had been an active member of the local council since 1997, representing Kilkeel. Cunningham’s involvement extended beyond politics; he was also engaged with the Gaelic Athletic Association at the community level. During the court proceedings, Cunningham appeared in the dock after a day of legal consultations and pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting two girls aged six and seven, with the offences dating back to 1979. The victims, now in their late twenties, attended the hearing and listened as Cunningham changed his plea.

Although four charges of raping one of the girls over a six-year period were not proceeded with, Judge Randal McKay ordered Cunningham’s name to be added to the Royal Ulster Constabulary’s sex offenders’ register, emphasizing the severity of his crimes and the ongoing threat he posed to the community.