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22 Oct 2025

Derry man jailed for child sex offences could have licence revoked after breaching Sexual Offences Prevention Order

Former Sinn Fein press officer Michael McMonagle, who was jailed in November last for sexual communication with a child charges could have his licence revoked after he appeared at Limavady Magistrates' Court charged with breaching his Sexual Offences Prevention Order

Michael McMonagle

Former Sinn Fein press officer Michael McMonagle

A former Sinn Fein press officer and journalist who was jailed in November last for sexual communication with a child charges could have his licence revoked after he appeared at Limavady Magistrates' Court charged with breaching his Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

Michael McMonagle (44) whose address was formerly given as Limewood Street in Derry was charged with breaching his SOPO by being in a chat room without permission of his designated risk manager on October 21.

A police officer told the court that McGonagle is a Category 2 registered sex offender who is prohibited from accessing chat rooms without permission of his designated risk manager.

She told the court that on October 21 McMonagle was asked for his device for examination and it was discovered he had been on a site with a chat room element and had contacted a number of females.

The court heard that McMonagle accepted he had not told his designated risk manager about this and he was arrested.
Defence solicitor Paddy McGurk told the court since his release the defendant had 'kept himself to himself'.

He said the offences and his conviction have had 'a significant affect on his life' and it was a major fall from grace as McMonagle had a previous career in journalism and public relations.

The solicitor said that McMonagle had abided by all other conditions but probation had begun the paper work as regards the revoking of his licence.

District Judge Peter King said that the question of revoking the licence was best left to the Crown Court.

He said in this case was 'clearly within the licence period' and the defendant could expect further developments as regards his licence.

He said in the case in front of him he had pleaded guilty and there was no suggestion of anything 'untoward' in the chat room or anything sexual.

He sentenced McMonagle to one month in prison suspended for 12 months.

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