SEAN HANLON ARBROATH SEX OFFENDER SLAMMED BY SHERIFF FOR FLAGRANT REGISTRATION BREACH IN IRELAND

In July 2018, a serious legal reprimand was issued by a sheriff against Sean Hanlon, a convicted sex offender residing in Arbroath, for his repeated failure to adhere to mandatory registration requirements. The case highlights the ongoing challenges authorities face in monitoring offenders and ensuring compliance with legal obligations.

Sean Hanlon, aged 44 and living on Newton Avenue in Arbroath, was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register in 2013 for a period of ten years. Despite this, he has now been warned that any further breaches could result in his return to incarceration. The sheriff overseeing the case expressed strong disapproval of Hanlon’s actions, describing his conduct as a “flagrant disregard” for the rules that are designed to protect the public.

The incident came to light when police in Scotland, specifically Police Scotland, received a report from Irish Garda officers on October 6 of the previous year. The Gardaí informed Scottish authorities that Hanlon was in Ireland, a country where he was not registered to travel or reside, and where no record of his foreign travel had been documented. This raised immediate concerns about his compliance with the legal requirements associated with his sex offender status.

Further investigation revealed that Hanlon was in Dublin, having traveled there on October 3 to visit a new partner. Contact was made with him via mobile phone, during which he confirmed his presence at his partner’s address in Dublin. He was subsequently contacted again on October 11, during which he stated that he planned to return to Scotland within a few days. However, he did not have a confirmed flight booked at that time, raising questions about his intentions and compliance.

It was also revealed that Hanlon had previously admitted to breaching the terms of his registration. The court heard that he had spent approximately two months in custody, having been remanded during an earlier hearing related to his case. This history of non-compliance and breaches of legal obligations was a significant factor in the court’s decision.

During the hearing at Forfar Sheriff Court, Sheriff Derek Reekie addressed Hanlon directly. He emphasized the seriousness of the breaches, noting that this was Hanlon’s second violation of his registration conditions. The sheriff pointed out that Hanlon’s decision to travel to Ireland was made voluntarily, and that he had failed to return to Scotland despite police contact and the knowledge of his non-compliance. Sheriff Reekie described Hanlon’s conduct as a “serious matter” and a clear example of “flagrant disregard” for the rules.

In his remarks, Sheriff Reekie also acknowledged Hanlon’s prior custodial experience, questioning whether his time in custody had influenced his attitude towards compliance. Ultimately, the court decided to impose a fine of £250 on Hanlon, and it was noted that his name will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register until January 2024. The case underscores the importance of strict adherence to registration laws and the ongoing efforts by authorities to monitor sex offenders, especially those who attempt to evade legal obligations by traveling abroad.