Menu
21/07/2010
Sex Abuse Brothers Spark Urgent Review
Stromont is set to bring forward discussions on possible legislative changes as pressure mounts for the law governing mental health to be reviewed after two paedophile brothers involved in a 'tidal wave' of abuse refused to seek hospital treatment - despite walking free from court.
James and Owen Roe McDermott were allowed to return to Donagh in Fermanagh last month after they had faced charges for a range of abuse over a 30-year period but were declared mentally unfit to stand trial.
The pair were handed lifetime orders, banning them from being with children as well as a two-year treatment and supervision order placing them in the care of social services
However, concerned village residents came together with police and a health trust for a "very emotional" meeting over the two brothers and it was reported during the course of Monday night's meeting that the Western Health Trust was legally unable to make the two brothers leave their home.
In a statement, they acknowledged "there is an issue regarding changing legislation which requires further discussion at Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Department of Justice level".
James and Owen Roe McDermott - who were accused of 19 child sex offences - had been told by the Western Health Trust to admit themselves to hospital for their own welfare.
But the predatory pair ignored the advice and are back living in the Co Fermanagh village of Donagh which they once terrorised.
As anger grows over their presence and with tensions evident at the meeting, it has emerged that the Assembly's justice committee will meet a week early to discuss the case.
Between them, four McDermott brothers faced 60 charges of abuse spanning five decades.
A third is in prison while the other committed suicide in the village graveyard. James and Owen Roe McDermott were allowed to return to Donagh after they were declared mentally unfit to go through a trial.
On Monday several hundred people including parents, victims and members of the extended McDermott family attended a public meeting.
It heard that discussions had been held with the McDermott family to see if the two brothers would go to hospital voluntarily for their own welfare and treatment.
The family took the request to the High Court, where the Trust was told it had no powers to force the brothers to leave.
(BMCC/GK)
James and Owen Roe McDermott were allowed to return to Donagh in Fermanagh last month after they had faced charges for a range of abuse over a 30-year period but were declared mentally unfit to stand trial.
The pair were handed lifetime orders, banning them from being with children as well as a two-year treatment and supervision order placing them in the care of social services
However, concerned village residents came together with police and a health trust for a "very emotional" meeting over the two brothers and it was reported during the course of Monday night's meeting that the Western Health Trust was legally unable to make the two brothers leave their home.
In a statement, they acknowledged "there is an issue regarding changing legislation which requires further discussion at Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Department of Justice level".
James and Owen Roe McDermott - who were accused of 19 child sex offences - had been told by the Western Health Trust to admit themselves to hospital for their own welfare.
But the predatory pair ignored the advice and are back living in the Co Fermanagh village of Donagh which they once terrorised.
As anger grows over their presence and with tensions evident at the meeting, it has emerged that the Assembly's justice committee will meet a week early to discuss the case.
Between them, four McDermott brothers faced 60 charges of abuse spanning five decades.
A third is in prison while the other committed suicide in the village graveyard. James and Owen Roe McDermott were allowed to return to Donagh after they were declared mentally unfit to go through a trial.
On Monday several hundred people including parents, victims and members of the extended McDermott family attended a public meeting.
It heard that discussions had been held with the McDermott family to see if the two brothers would go to hospital voluntarily for their own welfare and treatment.
The family took the request to the High Court, where the Trust was told it had no powers to force the brothers to leave.
(BMCC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 June 2010
Sex Crime Brothers' Spark Review
Following outrage in a sleepy border village over the return of two unpunished sex crime brothers into the community, it has emerged that new laws to deal with such offenders who are mentally unfit to stand trial are under discussion.
Sex Crime Brothers' Spark Review
Following outrage in a sleepy border village over the return of two unpunished sex crime brothers into the community, it has emerged that new laws to deal with such offenders who are mentally unfit to stand trial are under discussion.
23 July 2010
'Other Abusers' Sought As Brothers Volunteer For Psychiatric Treatment
The police are to carry out further investigations of child sex abuse in the border village of Donagh. It has transpired that a victim of Fermanagh brothers James and Owen Roe McDermott, has alleged other people took part in the abuse and he said the pair were alleged to have passed information about their victims to other paedophiles.
'Other Abusers' Sought As Brothers Volunteer For Psychiatric Treatment
The police are to carry out further investigations of child sex abuse in the border village of Donagh. It has transpired that a victim of Fermanagh brothers James and Owen Roe McDermott, has alleged other people took part in the abuse and he said the pair were alleged to have passed information about their victims to other paedophiles.
24 June 2010
Uproar As Child Abuse Brothers 'Released'
There's further controversy today as victims of sex abuse at the hands of a Fermanagh family are calling for a review of mental health legislation. They said they want a different way of dealing with sex offenders who, they feel, have escaped justice - as they claim is the case with two brothers deemed mentally unfit to plead.
Uproar As Child Abuse Brothers 'Released'
There's further controversy today as victims of sex abuse at the hands of a Fermanagh family are calling for a review of mental health legislation. They said they want a different way of dealing with sex offenders who, they feel, have escaped justice - as they claim is the case with two brothers deemed mentally unfit to plead.
13 August 2015
Man Dies After Being Struck By Lorry In Ballynahinch
A man has died after he was hit by a lorry in Ballynahinch, Co Down. The crash happened on Windmill Street at around 11am. The driver may not have been aware of the collision and drove through the centre of Ballynahinch, according to the police.
Man Dies After Being Struck By Lorry In Ballynahinch
A man has died after he was hit by a lorry in Ballynahinch, Co Down. The crash happened on Windmill Street at around 11am. The driver may not have been aware of the collision and drove through the centre of Ballynahinch, according to the police.
17 June 2013
Co Down Man Killed In New York
A 26-year-old County Down man has been killed in a hit-and-run incident in New York. Bronx police believe Mr Bell, from Newry, may have been hit by two vehicles near a bar in the early hours of Sunday morning. Officers are said to be looking for the vehicles involved in the incident.
Co Down Man Killed In New York
A 26-year-old County Down man has been killed in a hit-and-run incident in New York. Bronx police believe Mr Bell, from Newry, may have been hit by two vehicles near a bar in the early hours of Sunday morning. Officers are said to be looking for the vehicles involved in the incident.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
