19/08/2024

76-Year-Old Coleraine Man Jailed For Sexual Assault Of A Child

A 76-year-old Coleraine man has been sentenced to nine years at Laganside Crown Court for three counts of sexual assault of a child.

The man, who cannot be named in order to protect the victim's identity, will serve four years in prison and five years on licence. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for an indefinite period and has been disqualified from ever working with children and vulnerable adults.

Welcoming the sentencing, Detective Constable Lesley Cameron said: "This was an incredibly disturbing case and it is right this man now has to face the consequences of his disgraceful crimes.

"My thoughts today remain with the victim and their family. They have shown immense courage in reporting these crimes and working with Police throughout the investigation.

"The Police Service of Northern Ireland is wholly committed to tackling all cases of child abuse, regardless of when the crimes occurred, and we will continue to work alongside our partners to support any victims and ensure offenders are brought to justice.

"We encourage anyone who has been the victim of any form of sexual abuse to come forward to Police. Call 101 or call 999 in an emergency."

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

28 September 2016
Man Charged With Attempted Murder
A 35-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder over an attack in Coleraine, Co L'Derry. The victim, aged in his 50s, is in a critical condition after being assaulted at a house on the Ballycastle Road on Monday, 26 September. The suspect is due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates' Court on Monday, 17 October.
17 December 2015
Man Shot In Legs In Co Armagh
A man has been shot in both legs in Co Armagh. A group of men forced their way into a house in the Meadowbank area of Craigavon and dragged the victim outside and shot him in both legs. The incident happened on Thursday night. The 26-year-old man has is being treated in hospital. Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
13 August 2012
One-Fifth Of Child Sexual Assaults Done By Family
Almost one in five of sexual assaults against children in Northern Ireland are carried out by a member of the child's immediate family, research suggests. The NSPCC analysed police data to assess crimes against children between 2008 and 2010.
19 December 2023
Man Arrested In Connection With Dromara Assault
A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a report of an assault at licenced premises at the Rathfriland Road area of Dromara. Detective Inspector Bell said: "Shortly before 10:10pm on Friday 15th December, it was reported that an altercation occurred at a bar in the area following three men refused entry to the premises.
08 November 2017
Man Dies In Portadown Road Crash
An 18-year-old man has died following a collision in Portadown. The crash happened on the Dungannon Road between midnight and 12.30am on Wednesday, 08 November. The road has been re-opened. Elsewhere, a man, aged in his 30's, has died in a road collision in Co Antrim.