A convicted sex offender has been returned for trial accused of having unapproved contact with young people.
Appearing for a committal hearing was Denis Archibald Gurney (68) from Ballydown Court, Banbridge who is accused of breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) on dates between May 11, 2023 and June 3, 2025.
It is alleged he had contact and association with young persons under 18 without prior approval from Social Services and this and this occurred at his home which was specifically forbidden by the SOPO.
No further details surrounding the circumstances of the alleged offending was disclosed during the short hearing before Banbridge Magistrates’ Court sitting in Newry
A prosecuting lawyer submitted there is a case to answer which was agreed by Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer.
Gurney spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood the charges against him.
He declined to call witnesses or give evidence on his own behalf at this stage in proceedings.
Judge Mateer remanded him on £500 bail to appear for arraignment at Newry Crown Court on May 28.
No further conditions were attached on the basis Gurney remains subject to the SOPO.
