A man aged 49 has been jailed after pleading guilty of sexual assault of a female in Belfast city centre.

Gordon McBrearty was sentenced to 45 months’ imprisonment – half to be served in custody and the reminder on licence – at Laganside Crown Court earlier today, Thursday 18th September,

The offence relates to the sexual assault of a woman aged in her 40s in the May Street area of the city in the early hours of Sunday, 4th June 2023.

The court heard that McBrearty, whose address is currently HM Prison Maghaberry, had followed a woman for some distance, after she left a nightclub, to where she had arranged a lift home.

Against her wishes, he lifted her and walked across the road to an area where she was sexually assaulted.

Several members of the public called police after she was seen visibly distressed and crying out for help. Officers were at the scene within minutes and McBrearty was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.

Following enquiries by officers, including the use of CCTV, McBrearty was subsequently charged with the offence. Today he was sentenced.

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Constable Cormac Donnelly said: "We know the outcome and imprisonment will not erase what happened to this young woman, but we do hope it will provide some comfort.

"We are committed to tackling violence against women and girls, and we hope today’s court outcome sends a clear message to offenders - there is no hiding place, and we will work tirelessly to bring you before the court."

The detective added: "We are committed to building trust and confidence, relentlessly pursuing perpetrators and making all spaces safer for women and girls. If you have ever been sexually assaulted, experienced or witnessed any form of sexual abuse, we urge you to contact police on 101, or in an emergency call 999. We are here to help you.”