A previous press officer for Sinn Féin, identified as Michael McMonagle, who resides on Limewood Street in Derry, faces 14 charges related to sexual offences. Having plead guilty, his sentencing is set to occur on the 8th of November. McMonagle made an appearance in Derry Crown Court where he was confronted with two charges of an endeavour to provoke a child into participating in sexual activity in August of 2021. Moreover, he was charged with 12 incidents of attempting sexual dialogue with a minor throughout the years 2020 and 2021.
As testified by his defence lawyer, Kieran Mallon, they will be advocating for a pre-sentence and psychological evaluation of McMonagle. His lawyer stated that his client complied with the bail requirements and requested for his re-release to aid in creating a pre-sentence report. It’s worth noting McMonagle comprehends the court’s capacity in terms of sentencing.
Judge Neil Rafferty advised the accused to work openly with probation services. While the Judge agreed to McMonagle’s bail, he cautioned him not to construe this as an implication that he might evade custody. Judge Rafferty stressed that imprisonment is a probable outcome. McMonagle is also mandated to register as a sex offender, with the registrar’s duration yet to be decided during the sentencing hearing.