A former police officer has been jailed for two years and fours month after he admitted inciting an eight-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity.
Raymond Keith Lindsay who is 61, and from Moygashel Park in Moygashel, admitted the offences which took place at Castlewellan Forest Park in July last year while the girl was camping with her family.
He was sentenced at Downpatrick Crown court earlier today (Thursday 26 September) to two years and four months imprisonment, half to be served in custody and half on licence after pleading guilty to inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
The judge praised the bravery of the girl, who distanced herself and her little brother from Lindsay.
Lindsay is subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for an indefinite time period. He has been ordered to sign the sex offenders register for ten years and is banned from working with children and vulnerable. A Forfeiture Order was also issued for Lindsay’s vehicle and bike. The proceeds will go to charity.
Detective Constable Micky Meehan added: “The girl’s family must also be commended as seeing something like this through the criminal justice process can never be easy. Throughout this difficult time they have displayed immense courage and fortitude throughout.
“Officers in PSNI Public Protection Branch are committed to investigating all reports of sexual offences against children and young people. We will seek to place offenders before the courts so they can be made amenable for their crimes.
“We have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and respect. I would continue to encourage anyone who has experienced any form of sexual abuse to contact police on 101,” he added.