A former primary school teacher, 37-year-old William Maher from Belfast, was jailed yesterday, Monday 12th May 2025, for sexual offences committed against two 10-year-old boys who were his primary six pupils at the time.

Maher was sentenced to one year in prison and one year on licence.

He has also been made subject to sex offender registration requirements for 10 years and a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for four years. Additionally, Maher is barred from the teaching profession and from working with children in any capacity, whether paid or unpaid.

The offences, which occurred between 1st September 2021 and 24th May 2022, included three counts of sexual communications with a child and three counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Detective Constable Eszter Aszmann described Maher as a "child predator who used his position of trust to take advantage of young boys who trusted him." "Maher preyed on the innocence of his extremely young victims, who should at their age, never have been exposed to the sexual conversations he initiated with them," DC Aszmann stated. "It is often incredibly difficult for young children, to raise the alarm when an adult they trust targets them in such a way."

The Detective Constable acknowledged the courage of the victims and thanked their parents for their support in bringing Maher before the courts.

She also urged parents and guardians to be aware of the signs of child sexual abuse and encouraged the public to educate themselves to enable early intervention and safeguarding. Information can be found on the PSNI website at www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/child-protection.

"Child abuse cannot continue in Northern Ireland, we will do everything in our power to stop predators in their tracks and get victims the justice they deserve," DC Aszmann added. "If you think a child in your care is being abused in any way do not hesitate to report to us, you are never wasting our time. We are here to help, support, safeguard and bring perpetrators to justice."