Omagh man first to be convicted of paying for sex

A 47-YEAR-OLD Tyrone man has become the first person to be convicted on indictment at Crown Court for paying for sexual services, almost nine years after the law was introduced.

Quentin Ewing – also known as Maguire – from Campsie Road, Omagh, but currently remanded in custody, faced two sets of charges committed a year apart and involving two female victims.

Having previously denied the charges along with a number of other offences, he changed his plea ahead of trial.

In order of occurrence, he was accused of paying for sexual services as well as robbing a woman of £80 on August 7, 2021.

Then on August 8, 2022, Ewing was alleged to have unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm on a woman, threatened to kill her and robbed her of £600.

It was also alleged on the same date he paid for sexual services and resisted arrest.

In October last year his case was returned for trial at Dungannon Crown Court where Ewing denied all allegations.

However, with a trial date pending, defence counsel appearing before the most recent sitting requested Ewing to be re-arraigned.

Standing in the dock wearing jeans and a grey sweatshirt, he pleaded guilty to both offences from the incident in 2021.

In respect of the other matters, he entered a plea to a lesser assault as opposed to inflicting grievous bodily harm on the second victim, which a prosecuting lawyer confirmed was acceptable.

Ewing also admitted paying this victim for sexual services and robbing her of £600 cash, as well as resisting arrest in the aftermath.

The charge of threatening to kill will be left on the court books.

Beyond the change in position, no details surrounding the circumstances of the offending were disclosed during the short hearing.

Defence counsel pointed out Ewing has been in custody for some time but felt pre-sentence reports would be beneficial.

Judge Fiona Bagnall agreed and adjourned sentencing until April 18.