03/07/2024

Fermanagh Man Jailed For Indecent Assault Of A Child

A 60-year-old Fermanagh man has been sentenced at Dungannon Crown Court for seven counts of indecent assault against a child.

Ronan Farrell was sentenced to four years and six months in prison. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for an indefinite period and has been disqualified from ever working with children.

Welcoming the sentencing, Detective Constable Ruth Marshall said: "Ronan Farrell exploited and abused a child.

"I want to recognise the strength and courage of the victim in this case, now an adult, for coming forward and working with us throughout the investigation. Your courage should be commended.

"We encourage anyone who has been the victim of any form of sexual abuse to come forward to Police, no matter when the abuse occurred. Please be assured that we have specially trained Detectives in our dedicated Non-recent Child Abuse Team who will treat all victims with sensitivity and respect – at every stage of the process. If you have ever experienced any form of sexual abuse, please contact police on 101 or call 999 in an emergency."

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

28 March 2018
Three Released Over Historical Child Abuse Allegations
Three people arrested in connection with historical child abuse allegations in Co Down have been released pending further enquiries. Two men and a woman were detained by police in the Ballynahinch and Killyleagh areas on Tuesday, 27 March. They were questioned at Antrim Serious Crime Suite and have been released.
27 March 2018
Three People Arrested Over Historical Child Abuse Allegations
Three people have been arrested in connection with historical child abuse allegations in Co Down. Two men and a woman were detained in the Ballynahinch and Killyleagh areas on Tuesday, 27 March. They have been taken to Antrim Serious Crime Suite for questioning.
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.
15 November 2024
Man Extradited From US Over Historical Child Sex Abuse
A 68-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for a series of indecent assaults on a child in the 1970s. Damien Desmond Anderson, originally from L'Derry, was extradited from the US to face justice. He was convicted of 12 counts of indecent assault against a female who was 11 years old at the time of the abuse.
23 August 2024
55-Year-Old Man Jailed For Indecent Assault Of A Child
At Downpatrick Crown Court a 55-year-old man has been jailed for three years for fourteen counts of indecent assault and one count of gross indecency towards a child. Alan Burgess, from the Killinchy area, was sentenced to serve 3 years in custody followed by 2 years on probation.