Pensioner who abused two sisters and brother sent to jail for six years

Pensioner who abused two sisters and brother sent to jail for six years

1 February 2017

A PENSIONER who abused three siblings in Downpatrick almost 20 years ago, has been jailed for six years.

The 72 year-old man abused the two sisters and brother when they were all under the age 10, Downpatrick Crown Court was told on Friday.

The Belfast man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his victims, was also sentenced to three years on probation when he is released from prison.

Judge Geoffrey Millar QC told the defendant he was in no doubt the abuse the three suffered as children would haunt them for years to come.

The defendant faced a total of six counts of indecent assault over an eight year period spanning from 1998 to 2005.

The Crown Court, which was sitting in Belfast, was told the defendant — who was in a relationship with the children’s grandmother — used to bring one of his young victims to work with him on a 

Saturday morning, where he would abuse her on a regular basis whilst playing chase and catch.

Crown prosecutor Laura Ivers said all the abuse occurred in Downpatrick — mainly in the children’s grandmother’s home. The defendant began abusing the oldest sibling, who the court heard “spent a lot of time with her grandmother.”

The girl was sexually assaulted by the defendant both in her grandmother’s house, and in the man’s place of work, from the ages of six to ten. Ms Ivers said this victim was targeted “nearly every time she visited ... and he had the opportunity.”

Her younger sister was abused from the ages of six to eight. Much of this abuse occurred when he was babysitting for his partner. The prosecutor said these incidents also occurred “every time he had the opportunity.”

Also abused was their brother, who regarded the defendant as a father figure. He was abused once by his granny’s partner when he was aged around six or seven, who told him what occurred was a “wee secret” between them.

The alarm was initially raised in 2005, when the male victim alerted his mother to the defendant’s behaviour towards his sister. A confrontation ensued, leading to the defendant leaving his partner’s home.

No official complaint was made at that time, however each of the siblings subsequently revealed what happened to them. Two of the siblings went to police in March 2011, with the third making a complaint two years later.

When the defendant was arrested and questioned, he initially denied claims made by the two sisters and brother. However, he later admitted the six charges.

Ms Ivers concluded by telling the court that all three victims have been affected by what happened to them in their childhoods, but that all three are now “trying to move on with their lives.”

Defence barrister, Ken McMahon QC, told Judge Miller that his client came before the court at the age of 72 with an otherwise completely clear criminal record.

Mr McMahon also said the admissions of guilt were “significant.”

Passing sentence, Judge Miller said that a majority of the abuse occurred in a place where the children should have felt safe. 

Pointing out the breach of trust, the Judge that while all the siblings “may put on a brave face,” he was in no doubt that what happened to them will continue to impact on their lives “for years to come.”