The PSNI has warned against the work of so-called “paedophile hunter” groups after it made two arrests in 24 hours following sting operations carried out by them, including a priest.
A priest was arrested on suspicion of attempted sexual communication with a child in Derry on Thursday after he was named, pictured and filmed, with all posted on social media by the self-styled ‘paedophile hunters’.
He was arrested outside a hotel in the city on suspicion of attempted sexual communication with a child after being challenged in the sting video.
Police in Derry said on Friday evening they had charged a 58-year-old man with attempted sexual communication with a child.
He is due to appear before a special sitting of Derry Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, sitting at Dungannon.
As is usual procedure, the charge will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
It comes after another man who was recorded by the same group at a property in the Hill Street area of Lisburn on Wednesday, and later arrested by the PSNI on suspicion of attempted sexual communication with a child amid scenes of public outrage.
The 20-year-old man was charged on Friday and is due to appear in court on Saturday morning.
In a statement provided to The Irish News, a spokesperson from the PSNI’s Child Internet Protection team said it was the role of the service to deal with those allegedly involved in sexual communication with minors, and not vigilante groups.
“It is our job to gather the best possible evidence to take forward any investigation and make contact with the Public Prosecution Service where appropriate,” the statement said.
“This is why law enforcement officers who undertake undercover activities, are specifically trained to do so and work under strict authorities and the control of senior PSNI officers.
“This process ensures the provenance of any evidence that is collected and is in compliance with strict legal requirements, to ensure that evidence gathered is admissible before the courts in Northern Ireland.”
While advising against the work carried out by so-called “paedophile hunter” groups, the spokesperson also encouraged those involved with them to bring evidence gathered by them to the force.
“Whilst we understand public concerns about the online activity of paedophiles and the danger they present to young children, police strongly advise against the activity carried out by paedophile hunter groups and ask them to bring their evidence to us, to take forward.
“If parents have any concerns about who their children are communicating with online, we would ask them to contact police on 101.”
In a statement on Thursday, the Diocese of Derry said it was “aware of an incident outside a hotel in Derry city involving a priest of this diocese”.
“The diocese knows that a video of the incident has been posted online and we understand the PSNI have been involved. Currently, the diocese has no further information.”
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