RICHARD MONTGOMERY – BELFAST

Parents Raise Safeguarding Concerns Over Convicted Sex Offender Linked to Wrestling Scene

Parents in Belfast have voiced serious safeguarding concerns following the release of a convicted sex offender who has been linked to wrestling events and online gaming platforms used by children.

Richard Montgomery, originally from Kilkeel, has a significant history of convictions for sexual offences involving children. Court records show that in 2018 he was convicted of two counts of sexual communication with a child, with three further counts left on the books. He has also been convicted on multiple occasions for breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, resulting in a two-year prison sentence.

In 2017, Craigavon Crown Court heard how a child who had already been subjected to abuse sought help from Montgomery, a decision prosecutors described as “jumping out of the fire and into the frying pan.” The court was told that the child contacted Montgomery to disclose what had happened to him, but this led to a series of further sexual offences.

In a separate case in 2019, Montgomery, then aged 35, received an 18-month sentence for sexual communication with a child and for meeting a child following sexual grooming.

Montgomery has since been released from Maghaberry Prison and is understood to be living in Belfast city centre, less than half a mile from several schools. He shares accommodation with another convicted sex offender he met while imprisoned, a situation that has heightened concern among local families.

Parents interviewed by the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life said Montgomery allegedly used wrestling and online gaming as a way to access and communicate with children. One source claimed he presented himself as having close connections within the wrestling community, telling young people he could arrange backstage access, autographs, and gifts.

According to those who raised concerns, Montgomery is believed to have used multiple online aliases rather than his real name and has been active on gaming platforms, including PlayStation Online, where he allegedly targeted children with shared interests in wrestling. One source said he had previously pretended to be significantly younger online in order to engage with children.

“He’s on there lurking and waiting,” one parent told the newspaper. “He’s constantly on the prowl, and it’s terrifying.”

Another source said Montgomery’s continued presence at or around wrestling events was deeply worrying, adding: “How do we know he’s not continuing to try and lure children in?”

Those who spoke out stressed that their concerns were rooted in Montgomery’s criminal history and the risk he poses to children, rather than speculation. One source told the newspaper: “I have absolutely no doubt in my mind he will continue to abuse kids.”

The case has reignited debate around post-release monitoring, safeguarding, and the visibility of convicted sex offenders within environments that attract children.