Tamnaherin residents stage protest after return of disgraced former deputy mayor Jim McKeever

Residents in the Tamnaherin area of Derry have staged a protest after it emerged that convicted paedophile Jim McKeever has returned to the area.

The disgraced former deputy mayor of Derry was jailed for four years in September 2022 for historic sexual abuse of a young girl. He was convicted of eight offences spanning a period from August 1981 to December 1988.

In November last year, McKeever failed his bid to have his conviction overturned. He has consistently maintained his innocence despite his conviction.

McKeever returned to live in the parish of Faughanvale/Tamnaherin since his release from prison last week.

Residents staged a protest outside St Mary's Church in the area. A number of police officers were present, asking residents to disperse while taking footage from a camera and a drone.

One concerned resident told Derry Now: "We were given no warning that he was coming back here.

"We're so angry. Our children go to school and play gaelic in the club just yards area.

"He's been to Mass on Monday. That's the day that the school takes the children to Mass. It's sickening.

"He's living next to his victim. Several elderly people have said they won't be back at Mass while he's there."

A spokesperson for the PSNI said: "Police in Derry were in attendance in Tamnaherin on Thursday evening, 30th May, where a number of people had gathered in the area. Enquiries are ongoing in relation to an un-notified procession in the area." 

Police were in attendance outside St Mary's Church, Tamnaherin