The PSNI has been challenged after contending there is ‘no lawful purpose’ to release an image of a convicted sex-offender.
Steven John Dowson (49) from Riverview, Augher was jailed for attempting to arrange to meet a child for sex and possessed indecent child imagery.
Police have so far declined to release his image.
In a separate case, the PSNI told The Irish News there was “no lawful policing purpose” to releasing an image of David Voyle.
Voyle was sentenced to eight years, half of which he must serve behind bars, following his conviction for the rape and assault of the young girl at his then home in the Divis area of west Belfast.
A challenge against lifetime anonymity on Dowson who was caught by undercover police while seeking to rape 10-year-old girl was later won.
But in the course of challenging, the PSNI chose to release images of four men sentenced for controlling prostitution at Belfast Crown Court.
Reporting restrictions were imposed when Dowson was first charged after he threatened to self-harm if identified publicly.
Challenged throughout, the judge at Dungannon Crown Court ruled in favour of the press at sentencing when Dowson was jailed.
He was jailed for two years and will remain on the Sex-Offender Register for 10 years.
With anonymity removed, press requested that the PSNI provide Dowson’s custody image.
In response, police said: “Following discussions with the senior investigating officer, it has been determined there is no lawful policing purpose to release the custody image.”
Press countered this pointing out public protection was critical, however there was no response.
The PSNI has also neither acknowledged nor responded at the time of publishing to further questions.