Pensioner sentenced in connection with historical sexual offences against child

By Q Radio News

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Public Prosecution Service have welcomed the sentence handed down to a 68 year old man for historical sexual offences against a child, which occurred in the Mid and East Antrim area between 1995 and 1999.

At Belfast Magistrates Court, via videolink, on Wednesday 15^th July, the man was sentenced to a custodial sentence of 22 months for two counts of Gross Indecency towards a Child and for seven counts of Indecent Assault of a Child. (This is in addition to 4 months already served in prison in the Philippines while awaiting extradition).

The man, who had been extradited from the Philippines in December 2019 has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years, and is permanently disqualified from working with children.

Detective Sergeant Nick Harris said: “I commend the courage of the victim in coming forward and seeking justice, even though the offences occurred many years ago. I would encourage anyone who has been sexually abused to come forward and report it to police, even if it was a long time ago.  We have trained officers who will treat all victims with sensitivity and respect.  This case shows that even if a number of years have passed, we can still investigate reports of sexual offences against children and place offenders before the courts so that justice can prevail.  This should also send out a strong message to those involved in sexual abuse that the Police are determined to make them amenable for their crimes.

“Officers in PSNI’s Public Protection Branch are committed to investigating all reports of sexual assault. We have specifically trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and respect. I would continue to encourage anyone who has experienced any form of sexual assault to contact police on 101.”