County Derry man charged with three indecent assaults against two males jailed

A former carer has been jailed at Derry Crown Court on three indecent assaults against two males.

Desmond Thomas (64) of Sunvale Park in Greysteel admitted the charges that occurred on dates between July 1, 1985 and June 30, 1992.

The court heard that both young men would have babysat for the accused and his wife due to the shift patterns they worked.

The court heard that there was an age gap of seven years between the defendant and one of the victims and about 10 years between the second victim. 

The court heard details of the indecent assaults on the first victim which began when Thomas asked him to rub cream on his back. 

The assaults progressed from there but it was not until 2019 that the victim was able to disclose what had happened. 

The second victim said that the assaults occurred when he was babysitting and occurred five to 10 times.

Judge Neil Rafferty KC said that such offending had to be treated severely. 

He said there were several aggravating factors including the prolonged period of offending and the fact there were multiple victims. 

Thomas was sentenced to 18 months in custody followed by two years on probation. 

He will also have to sign the Sex Offender's Register for a period of 10 years.