In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Thomas Hogg, 33, was previously convicted and sentenced for a sexual offence involving a child. On appearing at court in March 2021, the defendant—formerly a DUP councillor and the first-ever Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council—was sentenced for attempting to incite a 15-year-old boy to engage in sexual activity. It was reported that Hogg was arrested in September 2019 following an incident at a music festival in Valley Park, Newtownabbey.
The investigation established that the offences involved prohibited digital and verbal communication. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) reported that Hogg sent sexual messages to the teenager and attempted to facilitate a sexual encounter. The prosecution reported that Hogg initially denied the allegations, claiming no wrongdoing during his first appearance at Belfast Magistrates’ Court in October 2019. However, the investigation established the evidence necessary for a conviction, which led to his resignation from the DUP and his council seat.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Hogg’s conviction represented a significant “fall from grace” for a politician once considered a rising star within his party. Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard that Hogg had previously been honoured with an MBE for services to local government in 2016. The investigation established that following his conviction in 2021, Hogg was handed a suspended prison sentence, the details of which were reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).
The sentencing judge noted that Hogg’s political career was effectively over as a result of his predatory conduct. For his actions in County Antrim, Hogg was also stripped of his MBE by the Cabinet Office in August 2023. The judge noted that the severity of the offence against a minor necessitated not only a criminal record but also the removal of all civic honours and official portraits from council buildings to maintain public trust.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in Northern Ireland, the status of Thomas Hogg is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: Suspended prison sentence (Sentenced March 2021).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were activated following conviction.
- Civic Status: Forfeited MBE (August 2023); Resigned from DUP and Council (2019).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Belfast Magistrates’ Court following a PSNI investigation.
- Criminal Record: Attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity.
- Origin: Brae Hill Park, Belfast (Offences in Newtownabbey, County Antrim).
Monitoring and Public Protection
Hogg is managed under the relevant public protection arrangements in Northern Ireland. Due to the nature of his conduct in Newtownabbey, which involved using his position and public events to target a child, his management remained a priority for the Public Protection Unit during his sentence. Authorities state that the removal of his name from the roll of honour and the stripping of his MBE serve as permanent public records of his unsuitability for public office.
As a registered sex offender, Hogg’s details were logged on the national police database to ensure his movements and activities were monitored. Authorities state that his history of “sexual communication” with a child requires vigilance to prevent any further attempts to exploit minors through digital or physical means. Any breach of his notification requirements or further reports of suspicious behaviour in Antrim or Belfast would result in immediate legal action to ensure the ongoing safety of the community.
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.