A 44-year-old Belfast man has today been sentenced at court for a catalogue of child sexual abuse offences committed against a young girl over a three-year period and child cruelty and abuse offences against two young girls and a young boy over a five-year period.
Neil Jackson was sentenced to serve 20 years’ imprisonment, comprising 10 years in custody followed by 10 years on licence. He will be placed on the child sex offender’s register for life.
Jackson was convicted of 45 offences committed against the three victims aged between five and thirteen. The offences ranged from rape of a child under 13 to common assault and other serious sexual offences.
Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan said:
“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the appalling crimes committed by Neil Jackson against vulnerable young children.
“Over a prolonged period, Jackson subjected them to horrific sexual and physical child abuse, robbing them of their childhood, subjecting them to horrific acts and causing trauma that will remain with them for many years. His actions were predatory, manipulative and entirely depraved.
“I want to pay tribute to the three victims in this case for the exceptional courage and resilience they have shown throughout this investigation and subsequent court proceedings. Coming forward to report such deeply personal and traumatic experiences requires immense strength and I hope this conviction gives encouragement, to anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, to come forward.
“We recognise that no sentence can undo the harm caused, however we hope today’s outcome provides some measure of justice and reassurance that those who commit offences against children will be held accountable.
“Protecting children and pursuing those who seek to exploit and abuse them remains a priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.”
In an anonymous statement, the young female victim of sexual abuse said:
“For a long time, I carried the weight of what happened to me in silence. Speaking out was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I knew I could not allow what happened to define the rest of my life.
“Today’s sentence cannot change the past, but it does mean that the person responsible has finally been held accountable for the pain and trauma he caused.
“He is nothing but a disgusting child predator who manipulated me at an incredibly vulnerable age and took everything away from me. Today, I can begin to claim it all back.
“I am grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this process and believed me when I found the strength to speak. I hope this outcome encourages other victims and survivors to know that they are not alone and that there is support available.”
Anyone affected by sexual abuse can report concerns to police on 101, or in an emergency call 999.