PAUL ALLEN FROM BANGOR, NORTHERN IRELAND, DENIES SEXUAL ABUSE CHARGES IN DOWNPATRICK

In a serious development at Downpatrick Crown Court, Paul Allen, a youth football coach from Bangor, Northern Ireland, faced a series of grave allegations involving the sexual abuse of three young girls. The proceedings marked a significant moment as Allen was formally asked to enter pleas to the 18 charges brought against him, and he categorically denied all accusations.

The indictment, which spans from June 1, 2022, to February 29, 2024, details a disturbing pattern of alleged misconduct. Allen, aged 36, is accused of multiple serious offences, including two counts of sexual activity with a child under 18, inciting a child to engage in sexual acts, meeting a child following grooming, and attempting to perform a sexual act in the presence of a minor. These allegations are specifically linked to three young girls, with particular emphasis on two of the victims where Allen is accused of inciting them to partake in sexual activities while he was in a position of trust.

The grooming charges suggest that Allen, during his interactions with the victims, engaged in coaching or meeting them with the clear intent to commit further offences. The court documents state that Allen allegedly “coached/met that person and, at the time of doing so, you intended to do an act to, or in respect of, that person during or after the meeting, which would involve the commission of a relevant offence.”

During the hearing, Allen’s legal representation was absent due to an ongoing dispute over legal aid. Judge Geoffrey Miller KC, who presided over the case, acknowledged this absence and noted that Allen was aware he did not have the benefit of legal counsel at that moment. The judge emphasized the importance of progressing the case, especially given the serious nature of the charges and the ages of the complainants.

Judge Miller explained that, despite Allen’s denials, the court would proceed with the arraignment. He also addressed the defendant directly, stating that there would be no immediate penalty or loss of credit due to the current legal aid dispute. Allen was granted bail, with the case scheduled for a review on March 11, 2024. The judge expressed hope that by that date, Allen’s legal team would be in a position to appear in court. The judge also set the trial date for April 28, 2024, emphasizing that maximum sentencing discounts would be applied until after the review.

This case highlights the ongoing legal proceedings against Paul Allen, whose alleged misconduct has shocked the local community in Bangor and the wider Northern Ireland area. The court’s scheduling indicates the seriousness with which the judicial system is treating these allegations, and the case remains under close scrutiny as it moves toward trial.