A notorious paedophile is to contest a charge of breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) attending a Twelfth demonstration in Castlecaulfield.

Robert John Liddle (74) from Moorlough Road Lisnsakea is accused of breaching the order by being at an event where females under 18 were present, without prior approval of his Designated Risk Manager.

When he first appeared before a special sitting of Dungannon Magistrates Court a detective said Liddle is banned from being within 30 meters of any child-centred facility or attraction.

When arrested he enquired, “If I had went to Enniskillen (Twelfth) would it have meant the same thing?”

Objecting to bail the detective said Liddle remains under a SOPO which he has breached eight times, the most recent being dealt with by a suspended sentence at Enniskillen Magistrates Court in January.

He is also on Probation for other previous offending.

The detective continued, “He made no efforts to limit interaction with children at the event which had many child-focused attractions such as bouncy castles and ice-cream vans. He has to act responsibly to actively remove himself from any situation by which the SOPO could be breached.”

It was disclosed on 11 July, Liddle had discussed the Twelfth parade with his Designated Risk Manager and was reminded he could not be in the vicinity of female children.

However, he did not indicate he would be attending the demonstration. While bail was refused on that occasion, Liddle was later released by the High Court.

At the most recent hearing a defence barrister advised the charge is denied adding: “My client says he had obtained permission from his Designated Risk Manager to attend the event.”

District Judge Michael Ranaghan adjourned the case until 7 October when a contest date is to be fixed.

Liddle was remanded on continuing bail.