A registered sex offender spent hours making and handing out origami paper animals to children at a cultural hub in Belfast city centre, a court heard today.
Peter Crawford allegedly violated a prohibition on being in an area near youngsters by twice attending the 2 Royal Avenue building. An investigating detective also revealed that the 49-year-old was carrying a large bag of sweets when arrested at the weekend.
Crawford, of Rosemount Gardens in Belfast, was remanded in custody at the city’s Magistrates Court charged with two counts of breaching his Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO). Crawford remains subject to a SOPO first imposed back in 2008 until further order.
One of the conditions prohibits him from being within 100 metres of any children’s education or play facilities without giving prior notification to a designated risk manager.
Police were alerted on Saturday that a man had been acting suspiciously at 2 Royal Avenue, a Council-owned creative arts and cultural venue, for up to four hours.
“Staff said this male had been sitting for the entirety of his stay approximately 20 metres away from the children’s play area inside the premises, making paper origami animals,” the detective told the court.
Based on a distinctive description of the suspect, Crawford was detained at a bus stop on Donegall Place. Representatives from the cultural hub further disclosed that the same man, known to them as Peter, had attended an all-day family event on October 26.
“Peter was positioned in the middle of the event, surrounded by families and children,” the detective said.
“He was observed making origami animals and handing them out to children and having conversations with them.”
District Judge Steven Keown was told Crawford’s behaviour has escalated, and that a reassessment of his risk level is to be carried out.
Opposing bail, the detective added: “He has been previously warned by his designated risk manager in relation to having items of children’s jewellery and about being in children-centred locations. Also of note, when he was searched after arrest a large bag of sweets was found in Crawford’s bag.”
A defence barrister claimed he never had any direct interaction with children attending the events.
“He said he understood the order was meant for schools, and not a cultural centre. However, that has obviously now been flagged… and at no point will he be back again.”
Bail was refused, however, due to the risk of further offences.
Judge Keown ruled: “It would appear clear he is unwilling, unable or incapable of complying with court orders and being effectively managed in the community.”
Crawford was remanded in custody to appear again by video-link on December 9.
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