23/08/2019

Man Sentenced For Historic Child Sex Offences

A man has been jailed for a series of historic child sexual abuse offences.

The sentence handed out at L'Derry Crown Court on Wednesday 21 August saw the man handed nine years, six of which will be spent in custody and three on probation.

He was convicted of 14 counts of historic sexual abuse against a female child. The charges date back to between 1986 and 1991.

Welcoming the sentencing, police said the conviction was down to the victim's bravery throughout the prosecution process.

Detective Constable Rankin said: "This woman displayed immense courage in coming forward to police and seeing this trial through to a successful conclusion. I hope that her tenacity and resolution to bring this man to justice will encourage anyone else who has experienced any form of sexual abuse to come forward to police.

"Our officers in PSNI Public Protection Branch are committed to investigating all reports of sexual offences against children and young people. Regardless of when an offence took place, we will seek to place offenders before the courts so they can be made amenable for their crimes. We have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and respect."

Detective Constable Rankin encouraged anyone who has experienced any form of sexual abuse to contact police on 101.



(JG/CM)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

24 November 2023
81-Year-Old Bangor Man Jailed For Historic Sexual Offences
An 81-year-old man has been jailed for three years for a number of historic sexual offences. David Parkinson, from Bangor, Co Down, was sentenced at Dungannon Crown Court for 12 offences including gross indecency, indecent assault and rape. The offences were committed between 1976 and 1983.
06 May 2022
PSNI Attempting To Identify Victim In 1973 Sexual Assault
PSNI Detectives in Belfast investigating an alleged serious sexual assault of a female child in Belfast in 1973 have issued an appeal for information in an attempt to identify the victim.
29 August 2023
Ballymoney Man Jailed For Sexual Abuse Offences
A 44-year-old Ballymoney man has been given a 10 year sentenced for a total of 20 sexual abuse offences, including rape, sexual activity with a child and inciting child to engage in sexual activity. The sentence was handed down at Antrim Crown Court.
31 March 2010
Irish Sex Crime Unit On Way
The Irish Republic's police force is to establish a specialist unit to deal with the management of sexual offences.
08 November 2021
Man Sentenced To 16 Years For A Number Of Historical Sexual Abuse Offences
A 48-year-old has been sentenced to 16 years for a number of historical sexual abuse offences against a child, at Laganside Court. Tommy Harris will serve eight years in jail and eight years on licence. He will also be place on the sex offenders register for life. Harris's conviction comes after his victim waived her anonymity to speak out.