A 68 year old man, originally from the Derry/Londonderry area but who was residing in Melrose USA, was sentenced today at Londonderry Crown Court (Friday 15th November) for 12 counts of indecent assault on a female aged 11 year olds when the abuse began. The abuse was carried out on several dates between August 1975 and August 1979.

Damien Desmond Anderson, was sentenced to serve 18 months in custody followed by two years on probation. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

Detective Sergeant Jayne Parkers said: “In June 2021 we obtained warrants for sexual offences carried out in Northern Ireland for the extradition of Desmond Anderson from the USA. Mr Anderson was extradited and brought back to Northern Ireland in January 2024. He thought that he could evade justice, he was wrong.

“Today our thoughts are with the victim, who was only a child when these offences were committed. I would like to commend the immense bravery she has shown throughout this investigation and working with detectives to bring her abuser to justice.

“No one, let alone a child, should ever be subjected to any form of sexual abuse or manipulation. Today’s sentencing illustrates that the passage of time is no barrier to justice, and we will bring offenders to court, no matter when the abuse occurred. We remain committed to investigating all reports of sexual offences against children and young people.

“If you have ever experienced or witnessed any form of sexual abuse we urge you to contact police on 101, or in an emergency call 999. We have specially trained detectives who can help you, no matter when the abuse happened. You don’t have to suffer in silence.”