A 46-year-old man from west Belfast has been sentenced at Laganside Crown Court today, Friday 11th April, for rape, sexual assault by penetration, sexual assault and common assault in June 2024.

David Voyle has been sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment – half to be served in custody and half on licence – and a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) has been granted.

Detective Sergeant Nick Harris said: “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.

“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. 

“I would like to take this opportunity to assure any victims of sexual abuse that they will be treated with sensitivity and respect, and I would continue to encourage anyone who has experienced any form of sexual abuse to contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency."