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11/04/2025
West Belfast Man Sentenced To Eight Years For Multiple Sexual Offences
A 46-year-old man from West Belfast has been sentenced at Laganside Crown Court today, Friday 11 April, for multiple sexual offences committed in June 2024, including rape, sexual assault by penetration, sexual assault and common assault.
David Voyle has been sentenced to eight years in prison, with half of the sentence to be served in custody and the remainder on licence. In addition, a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) has been granted.
Detective Sergeant Nick Harris commented on the case: "Pretending to come to the aid of a teenage girl by calling her a taxi to get home, Voyle betrayed her trust in the cruellest way imaginable."
He added: "She has displayed immense courage in seeing this investigation through to a successful conclusion. I hope that her tenacity and resolution to bring this man to justice will encourage anyone else who has experienced any form of sexual abuse to come forward to police."
"Officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland remain committed to investigating all reports of sexual offences. We will seek to place offenders before the courts so they can be made amenable for their crimes."
He also assured victims of sexual abuse that they would be treated with respect and sensitivity, urging anyone who has experienced sexual abuse to contact the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
David Voyle has been sentenced to eight years in prison, with half of the sentence to be served in custody and the remainder on licence. In addition, a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) has been granted.
Detective Sergeant Nick Harris commented on the case: "Pretending to come to the aid of a teenage girl by calling her a taxi to get home, Voyle betrayed her trust in the cruellest way imaginable."
"Officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland remain committed to investigating all reports of sexual offences. We will seek to place offenders before the courts so they can be made amenable for their crimes."
He also assured victims of sexual abuse that they would be treated with respect and sensitivity, urging anyone who has experienced sexual abuse to contact the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
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16 February 2022
New Legislation To Strengthen NI Sexual Offence Laws
New legislation to strengthen existing law and introduce new offences to tackle sexual offending in Northern Ireland is to be considered during the Assembly.
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06 July 2021
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09 May 2019
Review Recommends Banning Public From Sexual Offence Trials
A report into the law and procedures surrounding serious sexual offences in Northern Ireland has recommended restricting the public's access to trials. The Gillen Review, which commenced last May, has independently scrutinised how courts operate in cases of serious sexual offences. Sir John Gillen, a former Lord Justice of Appeal led the study.
Review Recommends Banning Public From Sexual Offence Trials
A report into the law and procedures surrounding serious sexual offences in Northern Ireland has recommended restricting the public's access to trials. The Gillen Review, which commenced last May, has independently scrutinised how courts operate in cases of serious sexual offences. Sir John Gillen, a former Lord Justice of Appeal led the study.
24 November 2023
81-Year-Old Bangor Man Jailed For Historic Sexual Offences
An 81-year-old man has been jailed for three years for a number of historic sexual offences. David Parkinson, from Bangor, Co Down, was sentenced at Dungannon Crown Court for 12 offences including gross indecency, indecent assault and rape. The offences were committed between 1976 and 1983.
81-Year-Old Bangor Man Jailed For Historic Sexual Offences
An 81-year-old man has been jailed for three years for a number of historic sexual offences. David Parkinson, from Bangor, Co Down, was sentenced at Dungannon Crown Court for 12 offences including gross indecency, indecent assault and rape. The offences were committed between 1976 and 1983.
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