SHANE MCKEE

A man has appeared before the court in connection with a six-month covert operation targeting online paedophile predation.

At Ballymena Magistrates Court on Saturday, Shane McKee, 25 years old and living on Kenbane Avenue in Coleraine, appeared remotely via video link from police custody.

He only responded to confirm his identity and acknowledged he understood the charges filed against him.

McKee is charged with attempting to engage sexually with a minor from May 27 to November 26 of this year, and with the misuse of a telecommunication service during that period.

The charges specify that McKee allegedly tried to contact a person under 16 for sexual satisfaction and did so while believing the individual was over 16, which was not the case.

The second charge claims he sent a message that was grossly offensive or indecent.

The court did not disclose procedural background, but it is understood that police arrested McKee after he was confronted at his residence by Justice Reborn, following online exchanges with a decoy profile that thought to be a 13-year-old.

Constable Boyle provided evidence that she believed she could link McKee conclusively to both offences.

The defence attorney, Keith Kyle, indicated that, provided the police approved an address, bail could be granted, which the investigating officer confirmed.

Judge Peter Magill granted bail set at £250, with conditions including residence at an approved location and no access to internet-enabled devices.

The hearing was adjourned until December 15 to allow further legal proceedings.