SEX OFFENDER ‘BRAZENLY’ ATTENDED CHRISTMAS CHURCH EVENTS, COURT TOLD
Stanley Richmond, 63, claimed he was seeking solace and support in going to hear sermons around the Ballymena area.But a judge refused to grant him bail after identifying a significant risk of causing further harm.
Mr Justice Humphreys said: “The alternative analysis is that the attraction of attending family fun days and church events at which children would be in attendance around the Christmas period had become irresistible to (him).” Richmond, of Galgorm Road in the Co Antrim town, has been charged with three separate breaches of his Sexual Offences Prevention Order on dates in November and December.
p The SOPO was imposed following previous convictions for inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and sexual communication with a child he encountered at a Ballymena church back in April 2022.
p Richmond approached the 14-year-old girl and subjected her to “depraved and disgusting” remarks, the court heard.
p The order prohibits him from attending places of worship unless there is a signed contract of behaviour agreed with church leaders and also approved by his designated risk manager.
p He is accused of breaching those terms by attending the Elim Pentecostal Church on December 6.
p Richmond was also arrested for being at a Free Presbyterian Church in the town on November 16 and December 14.
p He returned there on the second occasion less than 24 hours after being released and warned about his behaviour.
p Defence barrister Sean O’Hare argued that he had been irresistibly drawn to sermons as solace and support for his solitary existence.
p But Mr Justice Humphreys described Richmond’s alleged re-offending as “flagrant” and “brazen”.
p “It is of significance that the event on December 6 was a family fun day organised by the Elim Pentecostal Church in Ballymena at which no doubt hundreds of children were in attendance,” he stated.
p Denying bail, the judge held that Richmond could not be safely managed in the community.
p He confirmed: “I identify here a very significant risk of harm, and also identify a complete lack of confidence in this individual adhering to any conditions I might impose.”
