Report finds investigation into prolific child abuser delayed by lack of police resources

A new report by the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland (PONI) has revealed that the investigation into online child abuser Alexander McCartney was seriously delayed because of under-resourcing within the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The findings have raised deep concerns about the ability of law enforcement to protect children from online predators.

McCartney, aged 27 and from near Newry in County Down, was sentenced last year to life in prison with a minimum term of 20 years after admitting to hundreds of offences, including the online sexual abuse of minors and the manslaughter of a 12-year-old girl in the United States. The Ombudsman’s report said delays in identifying and apprehending him allowed the abuse to continue for longer than it should have.

According to the report, police investigators had flagged the growing scale of McCartney’s activity but were unable to act swiftly because of staff shortages and limited technical resources. “The ability of police to keep children safe was significantly compromised,” the report stated, adding that more coordinated action could have prevented additional harm.

McCartney is considered one of the world’s most prolific online child abusers. Despite admitting to 185 charges, investigators believe he targeted as many as 3,500 victims aged between 10 and 16 across more than 30 countries. He used fake online profiles to lure and manipulate children into sending explicit material, sometimes using threats and emotional coercion.

One of his victims, 12-year-old Cimarron Thomas from the United States, took her own life in 2018 while he was still communicating with her online. The case drew international attention to the dangers of online grooming and the devastating consequences of cyber exploitation.

Following McCartney’s sentencing, the PSNI asked the Ombudsman to review its handling of the case. The report published on Monday concluded that while individual officers worked diligently, the overall system failed to prioritize child protection adequately. It also highlighted the need for specialized digital investigation units and greater cross-border collaboration in dealing with online crimes.

In response, the PSNI issued an apology to victims and their families. “We are deeply sorry for any further distress these findings may cause,” a spokesperson said. “We fully accept that we could have done better and are committed to implementing the Ombudsman’s recommendations.”

Child protection organizations have welcomed the report but called for urgent investment in cybercrime resources and training. They stressed that the lessons from the McCartney case must lead to meaningful reform to ensure that no other child is failed in the same way.