SEX OFFENDER WHO FAILED TO DISCLOSE CONVICTIONS TO NEW PARTNER JAILED
A convicted sex-offender who admitted charges of harassment and breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) imposed after previous offending has been jailed, with a judge heavily critical of his attitude toward Probation Services staff while preparing a pre-sentence report.Paul Newell (27) from Ashdene Heights, Dungannon, pursued a course of conduct amounting to harassment of a woman between June 18 and June 21.
He further breached the SOPO between April 15 and June 21 by failing to disclose his relationship and contact with a child, which he was prohibited from doing.
The SOPO, granted in October 2023, prohibits him from any contact or relationship with children under 18 without approval.
Police received reports that Newell had a sexual relationship he did not disclose to his Risk Manager or the woman.
She ended the relationship when discovering his criminal convictions.
Following her decision, Newell sent her numerous messages on Snapchat and Messenger, and made repeated calls despite her requests to stop, causing her distress and fear.
Officers found Newell had spent around two-and-a-half hours in the presence of her child without authorization.
During the court hearing, Newell accepted all charges after his case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports.
District Judge Rafferty criticized his attitude and behavior during interview, noting he became aggressive.
He sentenced Newell to eight months in custody, activating a previous suspended sentence.
Newell is also subject to a Restraining Order preventing contact with the latest victim and proximity to her home.
