Key Takeaways: Stephen McIlwrath Court Case & Charges
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Subject Identity: Stephen McIlwrath, 63, from Lisburn, Northern Ireland (noted guitar maker who crafted instruments for prominent artists like Bruce Springsteen and Ed Sheeran).
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Court Verdict & Outcome:
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Acquitted of an upskirting offence involving a schoolgirl at Craigavon Crown Court due to jurisdictional limitations (as the act may have occurred outside Northern Ireland, such as in Dublin, China, or Singapore).
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Guilty Pleas Entered: Pleaded guilty to 11 charges of possessing and making indecent images of children.
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Case Specifics & Defence Arguments:
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Image Disputed Counts: While count one alleged 175 indecent images, the defence contended the total was 40.
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Defence Claim: McIlwrath claimed he downloaded the material to alert authorities rather than for sexual gratification (a defence rejected by the court).
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Legal Status: Placed on bail following the hearing before Judge Patrick Lynch KC, awaiting sentencing.
Stephen McIlwrath Acquitted at Craigavon Crown Court
Famous Irish guitar maker Stephen McIlwrath, who made guitars for Bruce Springsteen and Ed Sheeran, has been acquitted of an upskirting offence at Craigavon Crown Court. Despite the 63-year-old from Lisburn, Northern Ireland, admitting he had filmed an upskirting video involving a schoolgirl, evidence has come to light that the offence may have happened outside of the jurisdiction, in Dublin, China, or Singapore.
While Stephen McIlwrath will not be charged for the upskirting offence, Judge Patrick Lynch KC told the jury that Stephen McIlwrath has entered guilty pleas to charges of having “illegal images of children and will be sentenced in due course” McIlwrath entered guilty pleas to 11 charges of possessing and making indecent images of children and while count one states he had 175 indecent images, the defence contend that he only had 40 images.
According to the defence, Stephen McIlwrath did not save indecent images of children and teenagers on his devices for sexual gratification, but rather to alert the authorities where he found them. Stephen McIlwrath told the court “I’m on your side.” This defence was not accepted.
McIlwrath is currently on bail, details of his sentencing are yet to be released.
CICA UK and Claiming Compensation for Child Sexual Abuse
The case of Stephen McIlwrath is extremely sensitive and may be triggering for some people. At CICA UK, we are experienced in handling sensitive cases, including those involving child sexual abuse. If you have been involved in a violent crime or want to claim on behalf of a child or another vulnerable person, we can confidently lead you and hold your hand throughout the entire process.
If you have any questions about child sexual abuse or any other violent crime, please get in touch with one of our dedicated solicitors on 0151 558 0033 or email us in complete confidence at contact@tdpsolicitors.co.uk
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