"Convicted sex offender sentenced after being described as 'barely functioning human being'"

A man labeled as a "barely functioning human being" has been sentenced for possessing indecent images of children. Carey Lyons, residing at Claremont House on Richmond Avenue in Londonderry, received a prison term of four years and four months at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday.

The 67-year-old was convicted for offences committed in both October 2020 and March 2023.

In March 2023, police raided Lyons' Derry apartment after hospital staff noticed a laptop in his room and alerted authorities. Multiple devices, including phones and the laptop, were seized and analyzed. At the time of arrest, Lyons was a registered sex offender and subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).

Following his arrest, Lyons admitted fully to possessing indecent images of children and breaching his SOPO. He also pleaded guilty to charges of possessing extreme pornographic images dating back to October 2020.

Repeated Offending Pattern

Judge Raffety highlighted Lyons extensive criminal record spanning decades as an aggravating factor, noting that he continues to re-offend. Lyons lawyer described him as "a totally and utterly inadequate human person with no meaningful relationships."

The defence stated that Lyons has a low IQ and tends to breach court orders when stressed, specifically by obtaining laptops, downloading illicit images, and waiting for authorities to respond. The lawyer emphasized that Lyons does not share these images or engage in online chatrooms.

Lyons has been in custody since his November 2023 arrest. The defence also raised concerns about his poor health and the need for suitable housing following his release.

Judge Raffety described Lyons as an isolated individual with complex health needs who cannot live independently. He concluded that a custodial sentence was unavoidable, imposing four years and four months, split equally between prison time and supervised release.

Lyons will remain under a SOPO until March 2033 and continues to be listed on the Sex Offenders Register.

Author: Caleb Jennings