ACHESON BLAIR FROM BALLYCLARE SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES IN BELFAST

In July 2022, a serious case involving Acheson Blair, a 61-year-old resident of Mossvale Park in Ballyclare, came to light as he faced multiple charges related to sexual misconduct. Blair, who had previously denied allegations of engaging in sexual acts in front of a minor, indecent exposure, and common assault, ultimately admitted to these offences during a court hearing in Belfast.

Initially, Blair maintained his innocence, but in May of the same year, he was re-arraigned at Belfast Crown Court where he chose to plead guilty to all three charges. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about the incident that took place in Ballyclare’s Sixmile Park on the evening of July 22, 2021.

According to the prosecution, police officers responded to reports of inappropriate behaviour at around 6 pm. Witnesses had observed Blair approach a group of teenage boys and, in a disturbing display, exposed himself to one of them. The court heard that Blair first engaged the young male in conversation, asking him how his day was, and then made an unsettling comment about having five boyfriends.

Prosecutors described how Blair then proceeded to put his hands into his own shorts, moving them in a masturbatory manner, before pulling his shorts down completely and exposing himself to the young boy. After pulling his shorts back up, Blair allegedly grabbed the teenager and ominously told him, “I am going to take you to the bushes.” The young male responded with a firm “get to f***,” indicating his discomfort and desire to distance himself from the situation.

During the incident, the teenager sustained an injury to his stomach, which added to the severity of the case. Following the incident, the young male followed Blair to his home, and police were contacted immediately. The police response was swift, and Blair was taken into custody.

The Probation Board conducted a risk assessment which classified Blair as being in the “moderate to high category for community supervision and intervention.” The assessment also recommended that Blair be considered for the Horizon programme, a rehabilitation initiative designed for individuals convicted of sexual offences.

Judge McColgan, presiding over the case, acknowledged that Blair had already served seven months on remand, which was taken into account during sentencing. The judge stated, “I am satisfied that Mr. Blair has convinced me that he is willing to participate in the Horizon programme,” and accordingly, sentenced him to two years on probation, with all three counts to run concurrently.

Additionally, Blair was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of five years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and community safety measures. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities in Ballyclare and Belfast to address and penalize sexual misconduct, especially involving vulnerable minors.