Today, Tuesday 28th April, at Laganside Crown Court, 77-year-old William Lloyd Lavery from Lisburn, has been sentenced to two years' imprisonment for six counts of indecent assault of a child.
From 1976-1978, Lavery sexually assaulted four girls, all aged around 13 years old. Now adults, the victims in this case have all come forward seeking justice.
On 16th November 2022 he attended a police station voluntarily and was interviewed for all offences. He denied all. He was later reported to the Public Prosecution Service and then found guilty on 23rd January 2026.
Detective Inspector Kelly Foley said: “This man was an opportunist, using his position of power and trust within the school environment to prey on young girls. He thought for a long time he had got away with this, today has proven that the passage of time has no bearing on a criminal justice outcome."
DI Kelly Foley speaking to media after the sentencing.
“I want to thank the victims for their bravery in coming forward. We have seen an increase in reports of non-recent child abuse over the last five years, with an average of 76 new referrals of this type each month across the province. Sentencings like today, I hope, will provide those who have suffered with the confidence to break the years of silence they have endured.
“Let this serve as another warning to those perpetrating child sexual abuse in our communities, we are working every day to break down reporting barriers and encourage victims to come forward. Our specialist officers are working day and night to relentless pursue offenders and bring them to justice."
Now speaking out to encourage other victims of non-recent crimes to come forward, three of the victims in this case have bravely spoken out.
Sarah, now 63 years of age, said: “It happened 50 years ago, but it may as well have been yesterday. That is the reality of non-recent child abuse, it stays with you. It shapes you and, if you let it, the silence will take its toll. I have not let him ruin by life but he has certainly given it a dimension I could do without. A memory that resurfaces now and again to remind me that my bubble of innocence was burst at only 13 years of age. Speaking out is hard, but staying silent is harder. Today we got justice against a man who thought he had got away with it.”
Emma, now 61 years of age, said: “Each day, I hid myself within groups of girls when I moved between lessons, for fear of meeting him in the very long corridors and feeling his eyes on me, reliving what he had done. It was like the constant, painful, picking at a scab that never heals and a profound sense of injustice has followed me all my life. From the moment that I lifted the phone to the police, I was listened to and believed. Special measures are put in place for victims of abuse right from the start, so I felt safe and finally able to unload the toxic burden that I had been carrying for so long.”
- Lucy, now 61 years of age, said: “The assault in the autumn term of 1979 changed me. I felt so ashamed and was unable to speak to anyone. I blocked it out and tried to forget about it. However, I stopped sleeping and spent most nights for some months on a mattress on my parents' bedroom floor. I was referred to a child psychologist. I am glad that I have finally stood up for the truth, I have no regrets. I am a strong woman and will survive - I hope the outcome of the case will encourage other victims of historical sexual abuse to come forward.”
Parents/guardians and wider local communities should report any activity, online or physical towards a child that they find concerning. Similarly if you have been the victim of recent or non-recent child abuse please report to police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.