A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison for a series of online child sex offences involving three boys, according to court records from Dungannon Crown Court.
Cameron Mullen, who listed no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to charges including sexually communicating with the boys, inciting them to engage in sexual activity, distributing indecent images, and causing a child to watch sexual activity. The offences took place between June 2024 and January 2025.
Judge Brian Sherrard, delivering the sentence on Wednesday, described Mullen's actions as showing a predatory pattern. He noted that one victim, who suffers from autism and is socially isolated, was left particularly affected.
"He was vulnerable, left sickened and terrified you would turn up at his school. He has developed suicidal ideation and anxiety," Judge Sherrard said in court.
The judge added that Mullen had denied any sexual interest in children despite the evidence. "As with nearly all paedophilic offending you deny any sexual interest in children. The evidence proves otherwise," he stated.
Police first became involved after the mother of one boy reported that Mullen had sent sexual messages to her son. Subsequent reports from other mothers revealed similar incidents, including one case where Mullen offered money in exchange for pictures of a boy's genitals.
Mullen appeared at the court via video link from Maghaberry prison after his bail was revoked following an initial court appearance on 11 January 2025. He had no previous convictions, though officials noted prior reports of similar matters that did not proceed to court.
"It hurt me immensely to see my child stripped entirely of his innocence whilst the perpetrator preyed onto him and tortured him, both mentally and psychologically," said a parent of one victim in a statement released after the hearing.
The parent described the situation as every parent's worst nightmare and urged others to stay vigilant with children's smartphones. "The internet is not a safe place and it can have detrimental consequences if your own child is subjected to what my child seen and was asked to do," the parent added.
Detective Chief Inspector David McBurney said the case highlights how offenders use online platforms to build trust before steering conversations toward sexual topics. "It is sickening that we are seeing younger and younger offenders in this space," McBurney stated.
He described Mullen's approach as manipulative, noting that he deliberately built rapport with the boys before rapidly changing the tone of the interactions. Mullen will be placed on the sex offender register and subject to a sexual offences prevention order for 10 years following his release.
The sentencing reflects the serious impact of online offending, even without physical contact, as the judge emphasized that such behaviour makes social media a dangerous environment for young people.