TIM HERON FROM BALLYWALTER CAUGHT WITH CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN NORTHERN IRELAND
| Red Rose Database
Ballywalter Child Sexual Abuser
In a recent development in Northern Ireland’s ongoing battle against child exploitation, Tim Heron, a man previously known for his involvement in paedophile hunting activities, has been convicted of possessing indecent images of children. Heron, whose address was listed as Well Road in Ballywalter, but who is now believed to be residing in England, faced serious charges at Newtownards Magistrates Court.
Heron was charged with six counts related to illegal pornography. The first involved the creation of a Category B indecent image of a child, with the incident occurring sometime between January 23, 2018, and February 20, 2018. The remaining five counts pertained to the possession of extreme pornographic images, which are considered particularly disturbing and illegal under UK law.
During the court proceedings, District Judge Mark Hamill found Heron guilty of all charges. The case was initiated after police executed a pre-planned search at Heron’s then residence at Cloverhill Vale in Bangor on February 19, 2018. The search was part of an investigation into the activities of ‘paedophile hunters,’ a controversial group that Heron was previously associated with.
Authorities seized Heron’s mobile phone during the search, where they uncovered distressing images. Heron admitted to being part of a ‘paedophile hunting’ group in 2018, explaining that the group operated by creating profiles on dating apps and using decoys—adults posing as minors—to lure suspected offenders into ‘sting’ operations. The evidence collected was then forwarded to police for further investigation.
Heron also acknowledged that he had been previously prosecuted for actions related to his group, including an incident involving Kevin Magee, a former BBC reporter. In 2019, Heron and his associate Richard Curtis were convicted of intimidating Magee, who was reporting on their controversial tactics. The confrontation took place at a coffee shop on Botanic Avenue in south Belfast, where the group attempted to prevent Magee from broadcasting a TV interview through disorderly conduct and threats.
During the current trial, Heron claimed that the images found on his phone might have been placed there without his knowledge by other members of his ‘paedophile hunter’ group. He insisted he did not download the images for personal gratification and was unaware of how they ended up on his device. However, Judge Hamill dismissed these claims as “unbelievable” and “not remotely credible,” stating that the suggestion of an unknown individual deliberately planting child pornography on Heron’s phone was “just unbelievable.”
Heron’s defense also argued that he was living temporarily in England due to concerns for his personal safety. Despite this, the judge ordered Heron to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes. Sentencing has been deferred until June to allow for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
In addition to the current charges, Heron’s past convictions include a 2019 conviction for intimidating Kevin Magee and assaulting a man from County Down after a sting operation. These incidents highlight a pattern of aggressive and controversial behavior linked to Heron’s activities in the realm of child protection and ‘paedophile hunting,’ which have often been criticized for their unregulated and vigilante nature.
Heron was charged with six counts related to illegal pornography. The first involved the creation of a Category B indecent image of a child, with the incident occurring sometime between January 23, 2018, and February 20, 2018. The remaining five counts pertained to the possession of extreme pornographic images, which are considered particularly disturbing and illegal under UK law.
During the court proceedings, District Judge Mark Hamill found Heron guilty of all charges. The case was initiated after police executed a pre-planned search at Heron’s then residence at Cloverhill Vale in Bangor on February 19, 2018. The search was part of an investigation into the activities of ‘paedophile hunters,’ a controversial group that Heron was previously associated with.
Authorities seized Heron’s mobile phone during the search, where they uncovered distressing images. Heron admitted to being part of a ‘paedophile hunting’ group in 2018, explaining that the group operated by creating profiles on dating apps and using decoys—adults posing as minors—to lure suspected offenders into ‘sting’ operations. The evidence collected was then forwarded to police for further investigation.
Heron also acknowledged that he had been previously prosecuted for actions related to his group, including an incident involving Kevin Magee, a former BBC reporter. In 2019, Heron and his associate Richard Curtis were convicted of intimidating Magee, who was reporting on their controversial tactics. The confrontation took place at a coffee shop on Botanic Avenue in south Belfast, where the group attempted to prevent Magee from broadcasting a TV interview through disorderly conduct and threats.
During the current trial, Heron claimed that the images found on his phone might have been placed there without his knowledge by other members of his ‘paedophile hunter’ group. He insisted he did not download the images for personal gratification and was unaware of how they ended up on his device. However, Judge Hamill dismissed these claims as “unbelievable” and “not remotely credible,” stating that the suggestion of an unknown individual deliberately planting child pornography on Heron’s phone was “just unbelievable.”
Heron’s defense also argued that he was living temporarily in England due to concerns for his personal safety. Despite this, the judge ordered Heron to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes. Sentencing has been deferred until June to allow for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
In addition to the current charges, Heron’s past convictions include a 2019 conviction for intimidating Kevin Magee and assaulting a man from County Down after a sting operation. These incidents highlight a pattern of aggressive and controversial behavior linked to Heron’s activities in the realm of child protection and ‘paedophile hunting,’ which have often been criticized for their unregulated and vigilante nature.