53-year-old Derry man sentenced to 13 years for series of sex crimes

A 53 year old man from the Derry area was sentenced at Derry Crown Court for 21 offences including rape, indecent assault of female child and cruelty to children today.

The man, who cannot be named in order to protect the identity of the victims, was sentenced to 13 years.

He will serve six years and six months in prison and six years and six months on licence. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register and will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for 10 years.

Detective Constable McMorris said: “I cannot commend the victims in this case, now adults, enough for their bravery and I hope they find solace in knowing that they have now protected others. It takes huge courage to take that first step of reaching out and breaking the cycle of abuse.

“This was an extremely harrowing investigation and the victims’ have undoubtedly suffered long lasting trauma, further compounded by his refusal to admit guilt, meaning they had to endure the added stress of a trial.

“Tackling sexual abuse against vulnerable children remains a priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland and we’ll do all we can to bring perpetrators to justice even if, like today's case, it’s reported to us many decades later.

"If you have ever experienced any form of sexual abuse, please contact police on 101 or call 999 in an emergency."