STEPHEN CAMPBELL FROM AUGHER AND BALLYGAWLEY INVOLVED IN CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN TYRONE
| Red Rose Database
Augher Ballygawley Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Tyrone, police investigations have uncovered a vast collection of indecent images linked to Stephen Campbell, a man with a troubling history of sexual offences. The case, which has unfolded over several years, reveals a pattern of illegal activity involving the possession and distribution of child exploitation material, raising serious concerns about ongoing risks to children in the region.
It was in November 2014 that authorities revealed the extent of Campbell’s alleged crimes. Police, upon analyzing a computer belonging to the 46-year-old former civil engineer from Ballygawley’s Richmond Manor, discovered an alarming cache of approximately 90,000 indecent images depicting young children. The investigation also uncovered an image classified as ‘extreme pornography,’ further highlighting the severity of the material stored on his device.
Campbell’s arrest followed a police report that detailed these findings. During questioning, he admitted ownership of the computer but refused to comment on the nature of the images, responding with a simple ‘no comment’ to all related inquiries. The computer was subsequently examined, and the report produced on the day of his arrest confirmed the presence of tens of thousands of illicit images.
The case was brought before Strabane Magistrates Court, where a bail application was made by Campbell’s solicitor, Blaine Nugent. The police, represented by Constable Lauren Butler, strongly opposed the request, citing concerns that Campbell posed a continued threat to children and might reoffend. The court was informed that Campbell was currently serving as a full-time carer for his elderly father, and that his mother had raised alarms about his access to a computer. Although his parents’ home lacked internet connectivity, it was suspected that Campbell had been using a neighbor’s unsecured Wi-Fi network to access the web, though police clarified that the neighbor was not involved in any criminal activity.
During the hearing, Mr. Nugent emphasized that police had found nothing suspicious during a search of Campbell’s home, which he shared with his wife. He highlighted Campbell’s background as a university graduate and a once-successful civil servant in Belfast, whose career was abruptly ended following the 2008 offence. The solicitor also revealed that Campbell’s wife was aware of the contents on the computer and was willing to stand as surety for his bail, demonstrating her support.
Campbell expressed awareness of his issues and indicated a desire to undergo psycho-sexual therapy in the near future. Despite these factors, District Judge Nigel Broderick decided to grant bail under strict conditions, notably prohibiting Campbell from accessing the internet or any device capable of connecting to it. The judge warned that any breach of these conditions would result in immediate arrest and return to court. Campbell was ordered to stay away from his neighbor’s home and to allow police access to his and his parents’ residences when requested.
Judge Broderick emphasized the seriousness of the offences, stating, “These are very serious offences and any breach, however trivial, you will be arrested and brought back to court accordingly.” The case is scheduled to continue at Dungannon court on December 17.
Earlier in June 2014, Campbell, then aged 45 and residing on Annaloughan Road in Augher, had already been convicted of breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order by accessing the internet, which he was explicitly prohibited from doing. Police had received information that he was using a phone to access the web, and a subsequent search uncovered a laptop in his home. Campbell admitted to owning the device for about a year and using it to view adult pornography. Despite the gravity of the offence, he received a suspended three-month prison sentence and a fine.
In a separate incident in May 2014, Campbell was seen canvassing for the TUV party in Dungannon, despite his criminal record. The TUV’s treasurer, Kenny Lougrin, claimed he was unaware of Campbell’s past when he accompanied him on the campaign trail. This revelation came shortly after Campbell’s arrest for possessing a large number of indecent images of children, which had led to his imprisonment in 2008 for downloading nearly 6,000 such images. That conviction resulted in a one-year jail term, a 10-year registration on the sex offenders’ register, and a ban from working with children or owning equipment with internet access.
Campbell’s criminal history underscores a pattern of offending behavior, with multiple convictions and ongoing investigations highlighting the persistent threat he poses. The community remains vigilant as authorities continue to pursue justice and ensure the safety of vulnerable children in Tyrone.
It was in November 2014 that authorities revealed the extent of Campbell’s alleged crimes. Police, upon analyzing a computer belonging to the 46-year-old former civil engineer from Ballygawley’s Richmond Manor, discovered an alarming cache of approximately 90,000 indecent images depicting young children. The investigation also uncovered an image classified as ‘extreme pornography,’ further highlighting the severity of the material stored on his device.
Campbell’s arrest followed a police report that detailed these findings. During questioning, he admitted ownership of the computer but refused to comment on the nature of the images, responding with a simple ‘no comment’ to all related inquiries. The computer was subsequently examined, and the report produced on the day of his arrest confirmed the presence of tens of thousands of illicit images.
The case was brought before Strabane Magistrates Court, where a bail application was made by Campbell’s solicitor, Blaine Nugent. The police, represented by Constable Lauren Butler, strongly opposed the request, citing concerns that Campbell posed a continued threat to children and might reoffend. The court was informed that Campbell was currently serving as a full-time carer for his elderly father, and that his mother had raised alarms about his access to a computer. Although his parents’ home lacked internet connectivity, it was suspected that Campbell had been using a neighbor’s unsecured Wi-Fi network to access the web, though police clarified that the neighbor was not involved in any criminal activity.
During the hearing, Mr. Nugent emphasized that police had found nothing suspicious during a search of Campbell’s home, which he shared with his wife. He highlighted Campbell’s background as a university graduate and a once-successful civil servant in Belfast, whose career was abruptly ended following the 2008 offence. The solicitor also revealed that Campbell’s wife was aware of the contents on the computer and was willing to stand as surety for his bail, demonstrating her support.
Campbell expressed awareness of his issues and indicated a desire to undergo psycho-sexual therapy in the near future. Despite these factors, District Judge Nigel Broderick decided to grant bail under strict conditions, notably prohibiting Campbell from accessing the internet or any device capable of connecting to it. The judge warned that any breach of these conditions would result in immediate arrest and return to court. Campbell was ordered to stay away from his neighbor’s home and to allow police access to his and his parents’ residences when requested.
Judge Broderick emphasized the seriousness of the offences, stating, “These are very serious offences and any breach, however trivial, you will be arrested and brought back to court accordingly.” The case is scheduled to continue at Dungannon court on December 17.
Earlier in June 2014, Campbell, then aged 45 and residing on Annaloughan Road in Augher, had already been convicted of breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order by accessing the internet, which he was explicitly prohibited from doing. Police had received information that he was using a phone to access the web, and a subsequent search uncovered a laptop in his home. Campbell admitted to owning the device for about a year and using it to view adult pornography. Despite the gravity of the offence, he received a suspended three-month prison sentence and a fine.
In a separate incident in May 2014, Campbell was seen canvassing for the TUV party in Dungannon, despite his criminal record. The TUV’s treasurer, Kenny Lougrin, claimed he was unaware of Campbell’s past when he accompanied him on the campaign trail. This revelation came shortly after Campbell’s arrest for possessing a large number of indecent images of children, which had led to his imprisonment in 2008 for downloading nearly 6,000 such images. That conviction resulted in a one-year jail term, a 10-year registration on the sex offenders’ register, and a ban from working with children or owning equipment with internet access.
Campbell’s criminal history underscores a pattern of offending behavior, with multiple convictions and ongoing investigations highlighting the persistent threat he poses. The community remains vigilant as authorities continue to pursue justice and ensure the safety of vulnerable children in Tyrone.