Man placed on sex offenders list indefinitely

The defendant faced a total of 66 charges, 45 of which were left on the court books when the case was heard at Antrim Crown Court.

The man faced 16 counts of buggery with a boy under the age of 16; 13 charges of rape; 33 charges of indecent assault on a male child; two charges of attempted buggery with a boy under the age of 16 and two further charges of attempted rape.

Taking into account the defendant’s guilty plea, a judge sentenced him to a total of seven years in prison.

The defendant was also banned from having any direct or indirect communication with any persons under the age of 16, as part of the Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which he must abide by on his release from prison for seven years.

The Order also ruled that the defendant cannot enter into any intimate relations without disclosing his offences.

Entering child centred locations like schools, playgrounds and amusement arcades, or other places frequented by children or young people is also a condition of the Order.

The man was also forbidden to make direct or indirect contact with any of his victims is also prevented.

The Order also prevents the defendant from engaging in any paid or voluntary employment or training activity involving children under the age of 16 without prior disclosure being made to any prospective employer.

Upon release, the defendant must live at an address approved by his designated risk manager.

The defendant was also informed that he may be placed on a barring list by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Order.