Northern Ireland

Judge lifts ban on naming woman accused of abusing boys

A judge has refused to impose a blanket ban on reporting the identity of a woman accused of abusing two school boys.

A complete ban on naming 39-year-old Bernie McKibben had been put in place at Lisburn Magistrates Court in July but Deputy District Judge Brian Archer yesterday varied that order to allow her be identified - but not her address.

He said the blanket ban had been recorded in error, although having heard evidence from police "I decided it was proper that her address not be disclosed".

Claiming he was at a "significant disadvantage", defence solicitor Seamus Leonard said he had not anticipated the variation and asked the judge to continue the total ban despite there being no evidence from police regarding a perceived threat against her, submitting that "if necessary I can give evidence".

Judge Archer said, however, he had to hear police evidence to impose a complete ban and told the solicitor: "You knew what the order was, you were in court and I explained it openly in court."

McKibben, who was excused from attending court yesterday, is on bail facing a total of seven charges including two of engaging in sexual activity with two boys, two of sexually assaulting them, inciting sexual activity with a child aged between 13-16, engaging in sexual activity in front of a 13-16 year old for her own sexual gratification, and one further charge of possessing an indecent image of a child, all of which are alleged to have occurred on various dates between October 2013 and May last year.

A prosecuting lawyer said the PPS are "working towards a PE (preliminary enquiry) date" and would update the court when the case is next listed.

Adjourning the case for two weeks, Judge Archer said he wanted a "full update" on November 26 and reiterated that the anonymity order was only in relation to McKibben's address but that the order could be reviewed on the next occasion depending on the testimony of the officer in charge of the case.