On 7 April 2026, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Fitness to Practise Committee issued a striking-off order against David Kenneth Paul McKeown, a 56-year-old former nurse from Cullybackey, Northern Ireland. The removal order followed a criminal conviction for sending indecent online messages referring to sexual activity with children. It was reported that the investigation began in November 2022 after McKeown engaged in a conversation on the Kik messaging application, which was flagged by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
The investigation established that McKeown, who previously worked for the Belfast Trust before taking early retirement, pleaded guilty to charges under the Communications Act 2003. A court in Northern Ireland handed him a one-month jail sentence, which was suspended for one year. The NMC panel heard that the messages were “fundamentally incompatible” with remaining on the nursing register, as they involved discussions of sexual activity with minors.
Regulatory Findings and Investigative Detail
The Fitness to Practise Committee reported that McKeown’s conduct had “brought the profession into disrepute” and fell significantly below the standards expected of a registered professional. The investigation established that although the offence took place online and not in a clinical setting, the nature of the messages created an “unwarranted risk of harm” and undermined the trust the public places in the nursing profession. The panel noted that integrity and the protection of the vulnerable are core tenets of the profession that McKeown had breached.
Judge-led proceedings by the regulator concluded on 17 March 2026, with the decision officially publicised in early April. For his actions involving the Kik app and the resulting criminal conviction, McKeown was removed from the register effective immediately. The panel also imposed an 18-month interim suspension order to cover the appeal period, ensuring he cannot practice while the striking-off order is finalised. The NMC stated that this sanction was the only appropriate way to protect the public and maintain confidence in the nursing and midwifery professions.
Status and Statutory Requirements
As of 7 April 2026, the status of David Kenneth Paul McKeown was as follows:
- Professional Status: STRUCK OFF (Removed from the NMC register; ineligible to practice as a nurse).
- Criminal Status: CONVICTED (Guilty of sending indecent messages on Kik; 1-month suspended sentence).
- Registration Ban: Minimum 5-year wait before he can apply for restoration to the register (though restoration is not guaranteed).
- DBS/Disclosure Status: Likely subject to inclusion on the Barring List (preventing work with children or vulnerable adults).
- Legal Status: Convicted under Section 127(1) of the Communications Act 2003.
- Judicial Oversight: Fitness to Practise Committee hearing (NMC); Criminal proceedings in Northern Ireland.
- Origin: Cullybackey, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Monitoring and Public Protection
McKeown is now prohibited from using the title “Registered Nurse” or practicing in any role that requires NMC registration. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically the “online solicitation” of sexual activity involving children—his case was handled with the highest level of regulatory severity. Authorities state that the use of encrypted or semi-anonymous apps like Kik to discuss child abuse is a red-flag behaviour that necessitates total removal from healthcare environments to ensure patient safety.
As a struck-off professional, his details are recorded on the NMC’s permanent archive of fitness to practise outcomes. Authorities state that any attempt to seek employment in a regulated health or social care role would be flagged during mandatory pre-employment checks. The striking-off order ensures that the public is protected from an individual who demonstrated a willingness to engage in illicit sexual discussions involving minors, which the regulator deemed a fundamental betrayal of the “position of trust” held by nurses.
QUESTION – Given that the offence occurred on a private messaging app outside of work hours, do you believe that “Private Digital Conduct” should always result in a lifetime ban from professional healthcare registers?
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.