Man is placed on probation for indecent assault of step daughter

Man is placed on probation for indecent assault of step daughter

31 October 2012

A MAN who indecently assaulted his stepdaughter has been put on probation for three years.

William Harold McCay, of Downpatrick Road, Ballynahinch, has been identified after his victim waived her right to anonymity following a recent court appearance.

At Downpatrick Crown Court sitting in Newtownards, McCay (63) pleaded guilty to six counts of indecently assaulting Lisa Fegan.

As well as the probation order, which requires attendance at a Community Sex Offender Group work programme, a five year Sexual Offences Prevention Order was imposed to limit his contact with children under the age of 16, and prevent any contact with the victim and her immediate family.

The court noted, however, that he was unlikely to commit any further offence against a child.

Speaking after sentencing, Ms. Fegan said Judge David Smyth QC had acknowledged the serious breach of trust involved in the case.

Explaining that the abuse occurred in her Downpatrick family home in the early 1990s, she said: “He has always made my life hell and I am now relieved that finally he admitted his guilt.

“I can now after all these years move on with my life.”