AN Armagh man who became the first person convicted under paying for sexual services legislation has been jailed and ordered to pay his victim compensation.
James Maloney (23) of Drumarg Villas committed what District Judge John Meehan described as "abhorrent, predatory sexualised stalking of a woman" with the offer of money to satisfy his egotism.
Last month, Dungannon Magistrates Court heard the victim who is Lithuanian, gave her evidence via live-link, having been granted special measures due to fear of Maloney
He declined to give evidence on his own behalf.
Maloney was accused of pulling up in his car beside a cleaner at a Dungannon petrol station, showing her a roll of money and making a sexualised gesture early one morning in August 2016.
Defence laywers contended the victim may have mistaken by Maloney's gestures, as she did not speak English, leading Judge Meehan to remark, "difficulties in language does not affect a person's capacity to see".
Police viewed CCTV footage and traced the car to Maloney.
When interviewed, he remained silent, a position he retained at contest.
Judge Meehan said the "whole horrible incident" had significantly impacted on the victim.
"This is the first prosecution of its kind in Northern Ireland. This wasn't a case of a man caught out trying to approach a sex worker. This as a man who deliberately targeted an isolated woman in a predatory fashion, by virtue of the fact she was a woman."
The defence said her client now accepted he was present but continues to deny any sexual services. She urged the judge to impose a community order or a fine.
But Judge Meehan rejected this outright.
"This is a very serious offence. It features abhorrent, predatory sexualised stalking of a woman. You heartlessly put her though a contest and you show no remorse," he said.
Handling down a prison sentence of three months, the judge also ordered Maloney to pay his victim £500, stating: "This is to reflect the impact your selfish, calculated behaviour on the victim., whom you sought to have satisfy your egotism."
