OMAGH MAN ROBERT ARNOLD CAUGHT WITH 1,000 INDECENT IMAGES DURING NORTH COAST CARAVAN TRIP

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Robert John James Arnold, a 46-year-old former school bus driver from Colhoun Terrace, Mountjoy, just outside Omagh, has been charged with a series of serious offences involving indecent images and inappropriate conduct. The allegations stem from incidents that allegedly took place between July 23, 2019, and April 20, 2022, and involve the possession and creation of highly disturbing material involving minors.

Arnold appeared before Strabane Magistrates Court last Thursday via videolink from Omagh custody, where he was held following his arrest the previous day. The court was informed that police had uncovered a significant cache of illicit images on Arnold’s phone during an investigation unrelated to this case. The search revealed approximately 923 photographs and 77 videos depicting ‘upskirting’ of young women and schoolgirls, a form of voyeuristic photography that invasively captures under a person’s skirt without their consent.

Further examination of Arnold’s device uncovered evidence of his involvement in downloading images classified as both Class A and Class B child pornography. Additionally, he admitted to creating pseudo-images of children engaged in sexual acts, which raises grave concerns about his intentions and the potential harm caused.

During police interviews, Arnold confessed to the authorities that he had taken these ‘upskirting’ images while visiting a family-owned caravan on the north coast. He also admitted to traveling into Portrush, where he took photographs and videos of young girls and children, many of whom were dressed in school uniforms. His admissions included the downloading and creation of child pornography, further compounding the severity of the allegations.

The court heard that Arnold, who is currently unemployed, had previously worked as a school bus driver, a detail that adds a layer of concern given the nature of the offences. It was also revealed that Arnold’s activities had been flagged by ‘paedophile hunter’ websites, which monitor and expose individuals involved in such illegal activities. There are plans for a protest outside the caravan park where Arnold stayed, reflecting the community’s outrage and concern.

In response to the serious nature of the charges and the potential risk of re-offending, District Judge Alana McSorley refused bail, citing concerns for both public safety and Arnold’s own security. The judge described the case as “deeply concerning” and ordered Arnold to be remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear again before Omagh Magistrates Court on July 18 to face the charges and further proceedings.