On Thursday, 8 January 2026, the Offender Database reported that Richard Steele, 46, of Crankill Road, Ballymena, pleaded guilty to two child sexual offences at Ballymena Magistrates Court. Steele admitted to targeting a child under the age of 16 for his own sexual gratification.
The court heard that Steele’s offences occurred between 4 March and 6 April 2025. He admitted to attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. The particulars of the charges revealed that Steele intentionally sought to communicate with a minor for sexual purposes and tried to coerce the child into viewing an image of a person engaging in sexual activity. At the time of the offences, Steele did not reasonably believe the victim was 16 or over.
Defence counsel Stephen Law confirmed the guilty pleas and requested a pre-sentence report (PSR) to assist the court. District Judge Alan White agreed to the request and ordered the report to evaluate Steele’s background and risk level. Although the charges are serious, Steele was released on conditional bail until his next court appearance.
The case has been adjourned until 19 February 2026, when Steele is expected to return to Ballymena Magistrates’ Court for sentencing. Under the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008, these offences carry a significant custodial risk and will result in Steele being required to sign the Sex Offenders Register.
Upon sentencing, Richard Steele will be managed under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in the Co. Antrim area. This framework involves the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) working together to monitor his residency and digital activity. He is also likely to face a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) to legally restrict his future access to the internet and contact with minors.
Original Photo by Pacemaker: Richard Steele outside the court.
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