In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Ian Kernohan, then 39, originally of Ballymena, County Antrim, remains a “serious” priority for the PSNI. In March 2020, Kernohan was returned to Maghaberry Prison after breaching the terms of his strict Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for the 21st time.
The investigation established that Kernohan, who was residing at a bail hostel in Belfast, had formed a secret relationship with a young woman from the north coast. He was claiming to be her fiancé without notifying his risk manager. The prosecution reported that Kernohan is subject to “stringent” requirements to disclose any friendship with a female so authorities can verify if the woman is aware of his “vile” criminal history.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
Kernohan has been described in court as “sneaky and devious” and is officially classified as a “high-risk” predator. The court reported that his past “vicious” behaviour includes tricking his way into the home of a single mother he met on a dating site, where he was found tickling her two-year-old child. He has also served time for forming relationships with vulnerable women, including one with the mental age of a child, and deleting phone messages to hide his “abhorrent” activities.
The prosecution emphasised that Kernohan was previously jailed for two indecent assaults on children in 2009 and a further indecent assault on a 10-year-old girl. Authorities emphasised that he previously attempted to bypass safety protocols to gain access to a nursery school in Coleraine. For his “persistent” and “serious” disregard for court orders in Belfast and Ballymena, the court determined that he poses an “immeasurable” danger to children and vulnerable adults.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his “persistent” crimes and breaches in Northern Ireland, Ian Kernohan has been subject to:
- Custodial Sentences: Multiple prison terms for 21 separate SOPO breaches.
- SOPO: A lifelong Sexual Offences Prevention Order with “stringent” conditions.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are in effect for life.
- Bans: Prohibited from entering specific areas, such as Botanic Gardens in Belfast.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Kernohan is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by the PSNI and the Probation Board for Northern Ireland. His history of “vicious” deception and targeting mothers to gain access to children means his status remains under “critical” scrutiny.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Kernohan must comply with notification requirements regarding his residence in Belfast or Ballymena. Authorities state that his risk management is “critical” due to his “persistent” attempts to form secret relationships. Any breach of his registration conditions or his SOPO will result in his immediate arrest and return to Maghaberry Prison.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.