Crime

Man Remanded Into Custody On Child Sexual Offence Charges

4 days ago

2 min read

A man with an address in Letterkenny has been remanded in custody following an appearance at Antrim Court today.

Thinira Liyanage aged 36, with an address at Fortwell Court, Letterkenny, County Donegal, faces a number of charges relating to child sexual offences. These include:

Meeting a child following sexual grooming: This charge, under Article 22 of the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008, alleges that Liyanage, being over 18 years of age, travelled to meet a person under 16 following online communication, with the intent to commit a sexual offence.

Sexual communication with a child: This charge, under Section 22A of the same Order, alleges that Liyanage engaged in sexual communication with a child under 16 for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification.

Causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity: This charge, under Article 17(1) of the Order, alleges that Liyanage incited a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity.

The charge sheet says that the alleged offences took place between 14 December 2024 and 19 January 2025.

Liyanage was remanded in custody at Maghaberry Prison. The case is due to be heard again at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on 17 February 2025.

The charges are in relation to the arrest of a man in Coleraine on Sunday 19th January.