A former Extern staff member who inappropriately texted a vulnerable woman he had been appointed to support, initially sending messages on his company device before switching to his own, has avoided prison.
Extern provides support for children, young people, and families facing challenges to empower positive change.
When the facts of the case were originally opened at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court, the judge halted proceedings, deeming the matter “very serious” and adjourned for pre-sentence reports.
Stephen Wilson (43), from Hillcrest Park, Moygashel, who has since been sacked, admitted sending indecent messages through an electronic communications network between 7 and 11 May this year.
The court heard the victim attended a meeting with Extern staff on 8 May at which Wilson was present.
Following this, she began to receive “inappropriate texts” from him in which he included his private mobile number.
The messages originally came from Wilson’s Extern-issued device; however, he then switched to his own phone.
This occurred despite him being assigned to assist her with various support as a vulnerable female.
District Judge Francis Rafferty stated: “I’m stopping there. This is a very serious matter. Obviously, I will require a pre-sentence report.”
On return today (Wednesday), the court heard the victim began to receive messages from Wilson identifying himself as from Extern, including: “I couldn’t stop staring at your boobs”; and “Do you want to be my friend with benefits?”
These increased to: “I could call tomorrow morning. When I arrive in my car I will ring you and you can get undressed. When I come in you undress me and we share a kiss.”
This was followed the next day by: “Morning sexy. You want to meet me this morning?”
The victim did not respond to any of the messages.
The defence said Wilson has recently been diagnosed with autism and is “actively trying to deal with issues which led him to offend” and is paying a psychologist privately. “He did not prevaricate with police but held his hands up immediately.”
Judge Rafferty remarked: “This was not only a breach of trust, it was an egregious breach, exacerbated by the victim’s vulnerability.”
He told Wilson: “This was disgraceful behaviour. You were put in a position where people come to you for assistance and you took advantage of that. I don’t accept your somewhat recent diagnosis of autism is a reason for your behaviour. In fact, I am highly sceptical. Many people with a similar diagnosis don’t engage in this kind of reprehensible behaviour.”
Judge Rafferty said: “The custody threshold is passed and the easiest thing is to send you to prison, but it would be for a short time which would not benefit anyone or protect against further encounters. I find it would be better for you to undergo focused, challenging activity. I’m not prepared to take the risk of you engaging in unwanted behaviour without your conduct being addressed by those equipped to do so.”
Wilson was handed a Combination Order comprising two years on Probation and 60 hours of Community Service.
Wilson was also bound by a five-year Restraining Order banning all contact with the victim or coming within the area of her home.
Extern were asked to comment on the matter and clarify Wilson’s employment status.
A spokesperson replied: “Extern does not tolerate any inappropriate behaviour or communication with our service users.
“Stephen Wilson was employed by Extern from 20 January 2025. Once we were made aware of his inappropriate conduct on 13 May 2025, he was placed on precautionary suspension, and we liaised with the relevant authorities.
“Stephen Wilson’s employment was terminated on 23 June 2025 following an internal investigation.”
