38-Year-Old Man Jailed For Number Of Sexual Offences

At Coleraine Crown Court a 38-year-old Belfast man has been sentenced to six years for a number of sexual offences.

The man, who cannot be named in order to protect the victim's identity, was convicted of attempted rape, assault and attempt to choke with intent to commit an indictable offence. He will serve three years in prison and three years on license. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and will be subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for 10 years.

Welcoming the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Paul Grant said: "I would like to commend the victim in this case for her bravery in coming forward and working closely with us on this investigation to bring her abuser before the courts today to answer for his crimes.

"We recognise that it is incredibly difficult for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault to come forward. When the abuse is happening at home, by someone who claims to love you, it creates a barrier to reporting.

"We want to make it clear today that without consent, it is rape and domestic abuse and sexual assault will not be tolerated. We don't want victims who are afraid in their own home to suffer in silence. Please report to us, we can help you.

"Call 101 or 999 in case of emergency. A 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is also available to anyone who has concerns about domestic or sexual abuse, now or in the past. The number to call is 0808 802 1414."