RAYMOND BUTLER RAMSAY SEX OFFENDER CAUGHT NEAR MUMS AND TOTS IN RAMSEY

In May 2017, a serious breach of public safety occurred in Ramsey involving Raymond Carl Butler, a known sex offender. Butler, aged 53 and residing on Mooragh Promenade, was found working in close proximity to a mothers and tots group, raising significant concerns about the safety of vulnerable children in the community.

On March 23rd, police authorities in Ramsey uncovered that Butler was engaged as a voluntary caretaker at the Church on the Rock. This discovery was particularly alarming because it coincided with a scheduled session of the mothers and tots group taking place downstairs in the same building. Despite his known status as a registered sex offender, Butler was present in an environment where children and their guardians gathered regularly.

Butler’s history with the law is extensive. In 2011, he was convicted of possessing indecent images of children, a serious offense that led to his placement on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of ten years. Additionally, he was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which imposed strict conditions on his conduct and movements. Among these conditions, Butler was required to inform police of any changes to his employment status and was explicitly prohibited from loitering around nurseries, schools, leisure facilities, and recreational spaces.

Despite these restrictions, police became aware that Butler was working at the church as a volunteer caretaker. When questioned, Butler claimed he believed he was permitted to be in the building because he had only stayed upstairs. The court was informed that the church was aware of his status as a registered sex offender, which made his presence in the building even more concerning.

During the court proceedings, Butler’s legal representative argued that he was unaware he needed to declare his unpaid role at the church, asserting that there was no intention or evidence suggesting he had been downstairs near the children. Nevertheless, the magistrates found sufficient grounds to convict him of breaching the Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

As a result, the court sentenced Raymond Butler to 70 hours of community service and ordered him to pay prosecution costs amounting to £125. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the monitoring and management of sex offenders, especially when they are found in environments where children are present, and underscores the importance of strict adherence to legal restrictions designed to protect the community.