ROBERT LIDDLE'S CRIMINAL REIGN IN BALLYCASTLE AND LISNASKEA: MULTIPLE BREACHES OF SEX OFFENDER ORDERS

In a series of serious legal violations spanning over a decade, Robert Liddle, a convicted paedophile from Lisnaskea and Ballycastle, has repeatedly defied court orders designed to protect the public from his dangerous behaviour. His latest breach occurred on June 16 of the previous year at Castle Archdale Country Park, where he was found within 30 metres of a children’s play area and marina, places frequented by young people. This was not an isolated incident but part of a long history of offences and breaches that have kept the courts and police authorities on high alert.

At the age of 70, Liddle appeared in Dungannon Crown Court for sentencing after being observed by a member of the public, who recognized him as a sex offender. The witness noted Liddle’s proximity to children in the park, which prompted police to intervene. Over the course of several hours, Liddle was seen moving through various sections of the park, including the marina where children aged between seven and sixteen were playing in the water. On one occasion, he was estimated to be just about one metre away from a group of children, raising significant concerns about his intentions and behaviour.

When police apprehended Liddle that night, he appeared confused and asked, “Is this because I was in Castle Archdale?” During subsequent interviews, he admitted to being at the vintage car show held at the park but denied seeing any children’s play areas or speaking to anyone there. He insisted, “I wasn’t there to look at children. I was there to look at cars.” However, it emerged that he had not sought or received permission from his designated risk manager to attend the event, which was a clear breach of his Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).

His legal team argued that Liddle’s interest in vintage cars was genuine and that his presence at the park was not malicious. They acknowledged his extensive criminal record, which includes four previous breaches of similar orders, as well as convictions for indecent assaults and outraging public decency, notably for an incident involving upskirting. The defence also highlighted that Liddle suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following witnessing a bombing during the Troubles, but the judge, Neil Rafferty QC, dismissed this as insufficient justification for his repeated non-compliance. The judge emphasized that PTSD does not impair his ability to understand or adhere to court orders and expressed little sympathy given his history of breaches.

Despite previous good behaviour with his risk manager, Liddle’s record demonstrates a pattern of disregarding restrictions meant to safeguard the community. His past offences include indecent assaults on young girls, with one incident in 2000 where he was jailed for two years for assaulting an 11-year-old girl. He also has a history dating back to the 1980s, involving molestation of children aged 7 and 12, and has been on the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years. His breaches include attending swimming pools and holiday parks without permission, activities that could potentially expose children to harm.

In sentencing, Judge Rafferty ordered Liddle to serve four months in prison, citing the severity of his repeated violations and the importance of deterrence. The court underscored that the purpose of these orders is to prevent further offending and to protect the public, especially children, from individuals like Liddle who have demonstrated a persistent pattern of risky behaviour.

Earlier incidents include a withdrawal of an appeal against a three-month jail sentence in July 2017, after he was caught breaching his SOPO by entering Dunnes Stores in Enniskillen. He had been prohibited from being in shopping centres during specific hours to prevent contact with minors. Liddle’s history also features a suspended sentence in 2015 for attempting to look up schoolgirls’ skirts in Downpatrick, and a series of breaches involving trips to Ballycastle’s holiday parks, where he was found in violation of court orders by visiting locations accessible to children without prior approval.

Throughout his criminal career, Liddle has been described as a “high risk” and a “danger to young girls,” with multiple convictions for sexual offences dating back to the early 1980s. His repeated breaches of court orders, including SOPOs, highlight a troubling pattern of behaviour that courts and law enforcement continue to grapple with. The latest case underscores the ongoing challenge of monitoring and controlling individuals with such extensive criminal histories, especially when they attempt to circumvent restrictions designed to protect vulnerable populations. The courts remain committed to enforcing strict penalties to prevent further harm and to uphold public safety in Ballycastle, Lisnaskea, and across Northern Ireland.