Matthew O’Hare: Software Developer Jailed for Probation Violation

Appearing at Belfast Magistrates Court by video link from prison, Matthew O’Hare entered guilty pleas to breaching his SOPO and a further charge of breaching the requirements of the PSNI police Sex Offenders Register on 16 May this year.

The court heard that O’Hare is a category one sex offender who had served three years on probation for a series of offences relating to indecent images of children.

District Judge George Conner heard that due to “community tensions,” O’Hare had to leave his former home at Glenwood Mews in Dunmurry and as well as being put into alternative accommodation, he was also supplied with a mobile phone to keep in contact with his Designated Risk Manager

A prosecuting lawyer told the court it emerged however, that O’Hare had not stayed there and he had failed to notify the police as to where he had been staying.

As a result, O’Hare was circulated for breaching the SOPO and defence solicitor Eoghan McKenna told the court that before his arrest, O’Hare had been sleeping rough on the streets.

“You can see how sympathetic the police were to him,” Mr McKenna said, “but he was living rough on the streets and he was assaulted.”

The solicitor said that when O’Hara reported the assault, he was arrested and he has been in custody since despite bail being granted.

He was unable to perfect bail as he could not obtain a suitable address, said Mr McKenna, adding that there are concerns the defendant “will experience similar problems getting back into the community.

Judge Conner imposed three month jail sentences on each count, ordering the terms to be served concurrently.