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. He will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and will be subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for 10 years.

Welcoming the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Claire McGarvey said: "Today our thoughts are with the victim, who was only a young girl when these offences were committed. I would like to commend the immense bravery she has shown throughout this investigation and working with detectives to bring her abuser to justice.

"No one, let alone a child, should ever be subjected to any form of abuse or manipulation. Today's sentencing illustrates that the passage of time is no barrier to justice, and we will bring offenders to justice, no matter when the abuse occurred. We remain committed to investigating all reports of sexual offences against children and young people.

"If you have ever experienced or witnessed any form of sexual abuse we urge you to contact police on 101, or in an emergency call 999. We have specially trained detectives who can help you, no matter when the abuse happened. You don't have to suffer in silence."