PATRICK MARKS BANNED FROM BELFAST CHURCH FACES SIX MONTHS JAIL

Patrick Marks, a 71-year-old resident of Lovatt Street in Belfast, has been handed a six-month custodial sentence after admitting to violating the conditions set out in his Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).

Marks was taken into custody following concerns raised about his conduct at the Great Victoria Street Baptist Church during the period from December 2024 to February 2025. Witnesses and authorities noted that he remained in a church hall after the conclusion of services, an area where children were known to be freely moving about, raising alarm among community members and church officials.

Under the terms of his SOPO, Marks was explicitly prohibited from having any contact with minors. Additionally, he was required to notify authorities of his whereabouts and activities, especially in places where children might be present. However, it emerged during the court proceedings that he had failed to inform the authorities of his attendance at the church, breaching the strict conditions of his order.

The court also heard disturbing details about Marks’ past behavior. It was revealed that he had previously approached and touched young girls, displaying inappropriate and unacceptable conduct. Furthermore, he had made derogatory comments and sought autographs from minors, behaviors that contributed to the community’s concern and the court’s decision to impose strict penalties.

District Judge Steven Keown sentenced Marks to four months in prison for the breach of his SOPO. In addition, he imposed a further two months for a previous suspended sentence that was related to earlier offending behavior. Despite the severity of the sentence, Marks was granted bail while he awaits the outcome of an appeal, allowing him to remain free during the legal process.

This case highlights ongoing issues related to the monitoring and enforcement of orders designed to protect minors from known offenders, especially in community settings like churches where vulnerable children are present. The community and authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance and strict adherence to legal restrictions to ensure the safety of all residents in Belfast.