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21/07/2010
Sex Abuse Brothers Spark Urgent Review
Stromont is set to bring forward discussions on possible legislative changes as pressure mounts for the law governing mental health to be reviewed after two paedophile brothers involved in a 'tidal wave' of abuse refused to seek hospital treatment - despite walking free from court.
James and Owen Roe McDermott were allowed to return to Donagh in Fermanagh last month after they had faced charges for a range of abuse over a 30-year period but were declared mentally unfit to stand trial.
The pair were handed lifetime orders, banning them from being with children as well as a two-year treatment and supervision order placing them in the care of social services
However, concerned village residents came together with police and a health trust for a "very emotional" meeting over the two brothers and it was reported during the course of Monday night's meeting that the Western Health Trust was legally unable to make the two brothers leave their home.
In a statement, they acknowledged "there is an issue regarding changing legislation which requires further discussion at Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Department of Justice level".
James and Owen Roe McDermott - who were accused of 19 child sex offences - had been told by the Western Health Trust to admit themselves to hospital for their own welfare.
But the predatory pair ignored the advice and are back living in the Co Fermanagh village of Donagh which they once terrorised.
As anger grows over their presence and with tensions evident at the meeting, it has emerged that the Assembly's justice committee will meet a week early to discuss the case.
Between them, four McDermott brothers faced 60 charges of abuse spanning five decades.
A third is in prison while the other committed suicide in the village graveyard. James and Owen Roe McDermott were allowed to return to Donagh after they were declared mentally unfit to go through a trial.
On Monday several hundred people including parents, victims and members of the extended McDermott family attended a public meeting.
It heard that discussions had been held with the McDermott family to see if the two brothers would go to hospital voluntarily for their own welfare and treatment.
The family took the request to the High Court, where the Trust was told it had no powers to force the brothers to leave.
(BMCC/GK)
James and Owen Roe McDermott were allowed to return to Donagh in Fermanagh last month after they had faced charges for a range of abuse over a 30-year period but were declared mentally unfit to stand trial.
The pair were handed lifetime orders, banning them from being with children as well as a two-year treatment and supervision order placing them in the care of social services
However, concerned village residents came together with police and a health trust for a "very emotional" meeting over the two brothers and it was reported during the course of Monday night's meeting that the Western Health Trust was legally unable to make the two brothers leave their home.
In a statement, they acknowledged "there is an issue regarding changing legislation which requires further discussion at Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Department of Justice level".
James and Owen Roe McDermott - who were accused of 19 child sex offences - had been told by the Western Health Trust to admit themselves to hospital for their own welfare.
But the predatory pair ignored the advice and are back living in the Co Fermanagh village of Donagh which they once terrorised.
As anger grows over their presence and with tensions evident at the meeting, it has emerged that the Assembly's justice committee will meet a week early to discuss the case.
Between them, four McDermott brothers faced 60 charges of abuse spanning five decades.
A third is in prison while the other committed suicide in the village graveyard. James and Owen Roe McDermott were allowed to return to Donagh after they were declared mentally unfit to go through a trial.
On Monday several hundred people including parents, victims and members of the extended McDermott family attended a public meeting.
It heard that discussions had been held with the McDermott family to see if the two brothers would go to hospital voluntarily for their own welfare and treatment.
The family took the request to the High Court, where the Trust was told it had no powers to force the brothers to leave.
(BMCC/GK)
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