NIGEL O’HARA FROM TANDRAGEE INVOLVED IN CRIMES IN ARMAGH AND NEWRY

In April 2021, a serious criminal case unfolded involving Nigel O’Hara, a jeweller from Tandragee in County Armagh, who was convicted of multiple indecent assault charges. The case was heard at Newry Crown Court, where O’Hara faced allegations of abusing a child and a woman over a span of time between May 2001 and September 2002.

O’Hara, aged 66 at the time of conviction, was found guilty of indecently assaulting a child, a crime that has deeply shocked the local community and brought to light troubling allegations against a man previously known for his business dealings. In addition to the child assault, he was also convicted on three counts of indecent assault against a woman, further compounding the severity of his criminal conduct.

Despite the convictions, Nigel O’Hara remains at large, as he is currently out on bail. His sentencing is scheduled for May 28 at the same court, where pre-sentence reports are expected to be prepared to determine the appropriate punishment for his crimes. The case has garnered significant attention, not only because of the nature of the offences but also due to O’Hara’s prior notoriety.

O’Hara’s past includes a series of headlines in 2018 when he was disqualified from serving as a company director for seven years. This action was taken following the collapse of his business, JRN Retail Group, which was based in Portadown and operated under his name. The company had gone into bankruptcy three years earlier, leaving debts amounting to nearly £2 million. The business was notably active online, advertising a vast catalogue of 91,000 products, but it was plagued by numerous complaints from dissatisfied customers who claimed they never received the items they paid for.

The Trading Standards Service (TSS) highlighted the distress caused to consumers, many of whom believed they had fallen victim to online scams. Despite warnings and advice from authorities, the company continued to operate, leading to a surge in complaints. Between July and September 2014, Nigel O’Hara’s business became the most complained-about company to the Trading Standards Service, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction and suspicion.

The company was found to have engaged in misleading practices, including false claims about pricing, the ability to supply goods, promotional sales, discounts, and a cashback competition that promised 100% refunds but failed to select any winners. These deceptive tactics contributed to the loss of trust among consumers.

As a consequence of his role in the business, O’Hara was barred from acting as a company director for seven years by the Department for the Economy. This ban followed his admission of failing to maintain proper accounts for a period of 12 months. Additionally, between February 2013 and June 2014, O’Hara served as a director of Irish League football club Glenavon, further illustrating his involvement in various local enterprises. The case continues to be a matter of public concern, highlighting issues of trust, accountability, and justice in the community.