A 27-year-old man from Carrickfergus, Andrew Forsythe, has been charged with breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) amid allegations he filmed schoolgirls on a bus and used prohibited social media platforms. He remains in custody as investigations continue.
A Carrickfergus man is facing serious legal proceedings after being arrested over suspicions of filming schoolgirls on a bus, Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday, June 4.
Andrew Forsythe, 27, of Hillview Drive, is currently remanded in custody, charged with two counts of breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).
Police began investigating after a father confronted Forsythe on a bus in February, suspecting that he had been secretly filming young girls onboard. The incident prompted police to seize Forsythe’s mobile phone.
An investigating detective told the court that subsequent examination of Forsythe’s phone uncovered evidence of social media use, including Snapchat and WhatsApp, as well as indications he had begun a romantic relationship — both prohibited under the terms of his SOPO.
Forsythe’s defence barrister disputed one of the breaches, claiming that no romantic relationship existed, only text communication. The court also heard that Forsythe had used the social apps due to feelings of isolation and a lack of social connections.
A bail application was submitted, with the defence highlighting the time already served in custody and the anticipated delay in completing further phone examinations. However, police objected to the request, citing previous safety concerns Forsythe had expressed about living in Carrickfergus.
District Judge Anne Marshall adjourned the bail application, allowing detectives one week to assess a proposed alternative address before making a final decision.
Meanwhile, the original incident on the bus has been referred to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) for further consideration.
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