Cyber security student accused of sex attacks on intoxicated schoolgirls in Belfast

Daniel Omer Ukachukwu, 20, allegedly plied one of the teenagers with vodka at a skatepark and forced her to kiss friends while he took photographs, a judge was told.

Police claimed the defendant also targeted a second girl during a previous encounter.

Ukachukwu, of Ballynafoy Close in the city, faces charges of rape, making and possessing indecent images, sexual activity with a child, and inciting a child into sexual activity.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard he was arrested following an alleged incident at the Bridges Skate Park in Little Patrick Street on March 6 this year.

A teenage girl claimed he provided her with alcohol before making her kiss female friends.

Ukachukwu took photos as they engaged in those activities, it was alleged.

An investigating detective contended: “He then lifted her onto his knee, placed his hand around her throat and squeezed to obstruct her breathing while asking if she liked that.”

It was claimed that Ukachukwu went on to touch her sexually before she left the skatepark.

Police were alerted after the girl reported the incident to her school counsellor.

During interviews the defendant denied touching the girl, encouraging any activity or providing alcohol to anyone under 18 at the scene.

“He stated children were kissing each other, he took photographs of this on their phones and he may have a copy on his phone which had been sent to him,” the detective disclosed.

Opposing bail, he stressed how Ukachukwu is also charged with raping another teenage girl on October 31, 2024.

Those allegations relate to an incident at Joy’s Entry in the city centre which also involved a recording on his phone.

Despite the two injured parties not knowing each other, police said they provided consistent accounts of being photographed.

“They both alleged the defendant was aware of their age at the respective times, they were both intoxicated and one of the injured parties stated he was pouring vodka down her throat,” the detective submitted.

“The defendant poses a risk to females under the age of 16.”

District Judge Steven Keown heard Ukachukwu may try to destroy evidence of any digital crimes due to his knowledge of cyber security.

Defence barrister Michael Boyd stressed his client strongly refutes claims had been evading arrest.

He told the court that the Manchester-born defendant has lived in Northern Ireland for most of his life and currently attends a further education college in Belfast.

Mr Boyd added: “He provided a full account in relation to both sets of allegations… and he is a student with no record.”

But refusing bail, Judge Keown cited the risks of flight, re-offending, harm to the public and interference with the police investigation.

Ukachukwu was remanded in custody until April 17.