THE PSNI have issued a statement confirming that they are now “proactively” monitoring social media and websites belonging to self-styled vigilante paedophile hunter groups.
The warning comes just days after The Belfast Telegraph revealed that two alleged paedophiles who were “outed” on social media by one of these groups had been attacked in their homes by the Ulster Defence Association.
The men, who were named on a Facebook page, both live in the greater Belfast area.
Detective Chief Inspector David McBurney from the PSNI's Public Protection Branch revealed that the organisation was "aware of a number of incidents following these hunter group live streams".
He also said that police were aware of "an incident where a member of the public has been mistakenly identified".
Describing the groups' actions as "a concern", he added: "It is the role of the Police Service of Northern Ireland to deal with those allegedly involved in this type of crime and the subsequent investigations.
"We are the professionals with the expert knowledge and experience to carry out rigorous investigations to the required evidential standard.
"We are the legitimate police service and we are accountable.
"Those involved in this type of vigilante behaviour aren't in a position to ensure safeguarding issues are addressed and their actions could not only harm innocent people but could also have a detrimental impact on the criminal justice process."
Appealing for the groups to desist, DCI McBurney added: "We would again ask that if these groups are motivated to help safeguard children, they need to bring any information they have about the identity of any person engaged in sexual offences against children to the PSNI immediately.
"These groups should not make arrangements to meet these individuals and should not share that information online.
"We need them to come to us with their information so that we can convert it into evidence and ensure a thorough investigation is carried out, including gathering the best possible evidence to enable effective investigations that produce a charge and successful prosecution."
In another case connected to the paedophile hunter groups, a sex offender was allowed to walk free from court, despite attempting to meet 13-year-old girls.
49-year-old Mark Presley was confronted on camera by The Innocence Keepers group in Blackpool as he was allegedly preparing to meet a 13-year-old girl.
In court, Judge Andrew Woolman said there were ‘no real victims’ in the case and claimed Presley had ‘suffered already’ due to the disability Cerebral Ataxia which means he uses a walker.
Imposing a three-year community order, the judge said the sentence was the ‘best way of helping society at large’ and added: ‘The defendant himself is a vulnerable and pathetic individual and is clearly very distressed. But there were no real children in this case – both the Facebook profiles were created by the Innocence group who seek to catch sexual offenders.
‘It’s suggested he’s not attracted to young girls but just wants their company. I’m not entirely convinced but if he did meet a real girl no sexual activity would have taken place because of the defendant’s personality.’
The judge said that because of the fact the offences were ‘attempted’ and not actually carried out and because there were no ‘real’ victims, Presley should be freed. ‘To say he’s a pathetic figure is an understatement,’ the judge added. ‘The defendant is the nearest thing to a victim in the case having suffered his whole life from his problems.’
Last August the potential consequences of publicly exposing alleged paedophiles were revealed when a man took his own life after being confronted by vigilantes in Co Antrim.
