A Craigavon nurse has pleaded guilty to a number of serious child sex offences,
Marvin Jay Macauba, of Drumford Close, appeared in the dock of Craigavon Crown Court accused of attempted sexual communication with a child; attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming; incitement to distribute indecent photo of a child; and sending an unwanted sexual image.
During the arraignment hearing, the 36-year-old answered “guilty” to each of the four charges put to him.
The offences occurred on July 9, 2024.
When quizzed by His Honour Judge Patrick McGurgan, defence barrister Conor Lunny confirmed that the offences related to a police decoy investigation.
Mr Lunny added: “[My client] is a Filipino national who has been here [in NI] about six-and-a-half years working as a nurse. He has been suspended since the date of the detection of these offences.”
The barrister said he hopes to put forward documentation from counselling and his GP as well as a reference from his local church.
“I’m hoping Your Honour will allow him to continue to engage with those various people and agencies in the meantime, notwithstanding the fact that he knows precisely what’s coming down the line,” said Mr Lunny.
The judge asked Prosecution what their stance on the matter was, however, they made no objection to bail.
Judge McGurgan, addressing Macuba, remarked: “These are very serious offences and Mr Lunny has been quite candid with the court, as he always is, as to the reality of what’s likely to happen in this case.
“Please make sure that you engage fully with probation. It’ll be your best interests.”
Sentencing will take place at Craigavon Crown Court on July 3.
He was immediately placed on the Sex Offenders Register.
