According to police facts, tabled to the court, Downey is defined as a registrable person as per the Child Protection (Offenders Registration) Act, 2000.

“This is the second time Downey has been charged in the past five months and it appears there is a lack of care on his part when complying with his obligations,” police said.

The 50-year-old pleaded guilty via a written notice of pleading addressed to Magistrate Peter Dare SC.

Police facts said that Downey would remain on the register until March 16, 2031.

On January 6 police attempted to contact Downey to see if any changes needed to be made to his form four.

Police attended Downey’s home and asked neighbours where he was to which they replied “at work, he works down at the [charitable organisation] in Young.”

Police then saw Downey leaving the store in his vehicle before they attended his unit and spoke to him.

When questioned if he was working at the store he replied, “no, no. I just go down there and talk to my uncle who is the manager.” 

Police asked, “so you don’t do any work there at all?” 

The accused said, “no, definitely not. It is all above board.”

Police contacted the store manager who confirmed Downey had been volunteering testing electronics for the previous couple of weeks.

Downey later admitted to police that he was working at the store. 

Police informed Downey volunteering is a type of employment he was obligated to report as set out in his form three.