Clough man faces prison sentence for sexual assault

Clough man faces prison sentence for sexual assault

1 March 2017

A CLOUGH man is in custody awaiting sentence at Downpatrick Crown Court today on a charge of sexual assault.

Twenty seven year-old Andrew Stevenson went on trial in January accused of two counts of rape against a woman in Castlewellan in 2015. 

However, after three days of prosecution evidence the rape trial ended suddenly after Stevenson’s lawyers asked for him to be rearraigned. He continued to deny the rape allegations but pleaded guilty to a single charge of sexual assault, which was accepted by the prosecution.

Stevenson, of Moneycarragh Road, was then remanded on bail pending his sentencing hearing, which was due to take place on Friday. However, on Friday Judge Piers Grant said he wanted more time to consider his sentence after hearing final remarks from the prosecution and the defence.

The court had previously heard the assault happened by a derelict building in a Castlewellan alleyway in the early hours of April 26, 2015. Giving evidence, the young woman, who cannot be identified, said it occurred after she got separated from friends following an argument outside a pub where she had spent the evening.

She claimed she met the defendant as she made her way towards a taxi rank.

At Friday’s hearing, prosecution barrister, Terence Mooney QC said: “He put his arms around her, he said he would look after her.”

He went on to say of what subsequently happened in a nearby alleyway:  “The precise nature of what occurred at that time cannot be proven by the prosecution.”

He then outlined to the court the nature of the sexual assault which was now admitted by Stevenson in the alleyway.

Discussing the impact on the young woman, Mr Mooney said: “There has been a considerable impact on her.

“She was vulnerable at the time.”

Defence lawyer, Eugene Grant QC, said his client, a full-time farmer with a family, had a clear record. He said credit could be given in the case in light of the plea entered. Mr Grant said Stevenson had also been respectful of the bail conditions.

As Judge Grant adjourned the sentencing hearing, he said bail would no longer be granted.

“He will remain in custody,” the judge said.