Menu
12/10/2023
54-Year-Old Man Jailed For 21 Sexual Offences Against A Child
A 54-year-old from the Comber area has been jailed at Laganside Crown Court for 21 offences including rape, gross indecency with or towards a child, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and sexual assault of a child under 13.
The man, who cannot be named in order to protect the identity of the victim, was sentenced to 14 years. He will serve seven years in prison and seven years on licence. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and will also be subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
Detective Chief Inspector Leah Crothers said: "The victim in this case was subjected to a campaign of sexual abuse and rape over an eight-year period. This man abused the trust of a young child and repeatedly subjected her to deplorable crimes.
"I want to commend the victim and her family for their courage and bravery in telling the Police about what had happened, and then working with us throughout the investigation.
"We remain committed to investigating all reports of sexual offences against children and young people, no matter when they occurred. Our specially trained detectives ensure victims are listened to, safeguarded and supported from the moment they report. Please don't suffer in silence.
"If you have ever experienced any form of sexual abuse, we urge you to pick up the phone and call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency."
The man, who cannot be named in order to protect the identity of the victim, was sentenced to 14 years. He will serve seven years in prison and seven years on licence. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and will also be subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
Detective Chief Inspector Leah Crothers said: "The victim in this case was subjected to a campaign of sexual abuse and rape over an eight-year period. This man abused the trust of a young child and repeatedly subjected her to deplorable crimes.
"I want to commend the victim and her family for their courage and bravery in telling the Police about what had happened, and then working with us throughout the investigation.
"We remain committed to investigating all reports of sexual offences against children and young people, no matter when they occurred. Our specially trained detectives ensure victims are listened to, safeguarded and supported from the moment they report. Please don't suffer in silence.
"If you have ever experienced any form of sexual abuse, we urge you to pick up the phone and call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 March 2023
83 Child Predators Convicted In 2022
The PSNI have recorded a 43% increase in the number of searches conducted by the Child Internet Protection Team (CIPT). In 2022, CIPT officers carried out 145 searches, 43% more than 2021, seized thousands of devices and uncovered tens of thousands of indecent images of children.
83 Child Predators Convicted In 2022
The PSNI have recorded a 43% increase in the number of searches conducted by the Child Internet Protection Team (CIPT). In 2022, CIPT officers carried out 145 searches, 43% more than 2021, seized thousands of devices and uncovered tens of thousands of indecent images of children.
06 July 2021
Legislation Introduced To Strengthen NI's Sexual Offences And Trafficking Laws
New legislation to improve public safety by updating the law on sexual offending in Northern Ireland has been introduced by Justice Minister Naomi Long.
Legislation Introduced To Strengthen NI's Sexual Offences And Trafficking Laws
New legislation to improve public safety by updating the law on sexual offending in Northern Ireland has been introduced by Justice Minister Naomi Long.
28 September 2023
New Anonymity Laws For Sexual Offences Cases Come Into Effect
A number of new laws to to safeguard the privacy and anonymity of the victims and suspects in sexual offence cases have come into effect today, 28 September. Announced by the Department of Justice, the new laws implement recommendations made by Sir John Gillen in his Review into the law and procedures in serious sexual offences.
New Anonymity Laws For Sexual Offences Cases Come Into Effect
A number of new laws to to safeguard the privacy and anonymity of the victims and suspects in sexual offence cases have come into effect today, 28 September. Announced by the Department of Justice, the new laws implement recommendations made by Sir John Gillen in his Review into the law and procedures in serious sexual offences.
16 February 2022
New Legislation To Strengthen NI Sexual Offence Laws
New legislation to strengthen existing law and introduce new offences to tackle sexual offending in Northern Ireland is to be considered during the Assembly.
New Legislation To Strengthen NI Sexual Offence Laws
New legislation to strengthen existing law and introduce new offences to tackle sexual offending in Northern Ireland is to be considered during the Assembly.
09 May 2019
Review Recommends Banning Public From Sexual Offence Trials
A report into the law and procedures surrounding serious sexual offences in Northern Ireland has recommended restricting the public's access to trials. The Gillen Review, which commenced last May, has independently scrutinised how courts operate in cases of serious sexual offences. Sir John Gillen, a former Lord Justice of Appeal led the study.
Review Recommends Banning Public From Sexual Offence Trials
A report into the law and procedures surrounding serious sexual offences in Northern Ireland has recommended restricting the public's access to trials. The Gillen Review, which commenced last May, has independently scrutinised how courts operate in cases of serious sexual offences. Sir John Gillen, a former Lord Justice of Appeal led the study.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
