BERNIE MCKIBBEN FROM LISBURN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING TEENAGE BOYS IN CRAIGAVON

In December 2016, a woman named Bernie McKibben, aged 40 and formerly residing in Lisburn, was sentenced to 28 months in prison after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences involving two teenage boys. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned several months, with McKibben engaging in inappropriate and sexual activities with the minors between September 2013 and May 2014.

During the sentencing at Craigavon Crown Court, Judge Patrick Lynch QC detailed how the offences came to light. The victim’s mother, upon using the family laptop, discovered her son’s Facebook profile left open, revealing messages of a sexually explicit nature exchanged between her son and McKibben. These messages indicated that sexual activity had indeed taken place, prompting police involvement.

The two boys involved were only 14 years old at the time. In police interviews, they disclosed that McKibben had initiated contact through text messages, which initially appeared innocent but quickly turned sexualized. One of the boys recounted how McKibben expressed her desire to have sex with them, with messages escalating to explicit content. One particularly alarming message from McKibben instructed the boy to “get the handcuffs and the lube out,” suggesting a desire for physical restraint and sexual activity.

Details of the abuse were further elaborated by the judge. It was revealed that McKibben visited the home of one of the boys, where she groped him over his clothing and encouraged him to come to her house. On another occasion, she returned to the same boy’s residence and made sexual advances before engaging in full sexual intercourse with him on the living room sofa. Regarding the second victim, McKibben gained entry through the back door of his house and performed a sexual act on him.

When questioned by police, McKibben admitted to engaging in what she described as “sexual banter” but denied any actual sexual activity. She also claimed to have no memory of sending sexually explicit messages, a stance the judge noted as her default response in such situations.

Throughout the court proceedings, it was emphasized that the victims had been profoundly affected by McKibben’s actions. They experienced a loss of trust, diminished self-confidence, and emotional distress. Despite her guilty plea, psychological and probation reports indicated that McKibben did not accept full responsibility for her actions. A psychologist’s report concurred with the probation officer that her offences were “persistent and predatory activity,” dismissing her claims of alcohol-induced amnesia.

While the judge concluded that McKibben did not pose a significant risk of reoffending in the future, he imposed a ten-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order to protect the public. This order prohibits her from using social media, having unsupervised contact with minors, initiating contact with her victims or their families, starting new relationships without disclosing her past, and possessing internet devices that do not store her web history.

Judge Lynch sentenced McKibben to serve 28 months in jail, with an additional period of supervised licence. He highlighted that her crimes were aggravated by her persistent pursuit of the victims, the significant emotional harm caused, and the considerable age difference between her and the boys. Furthermore, she was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was barred from working with children.

Following her arrest, McKibben was remanded in custody at Craigavon Crown Court and was scheduled for sentencing on December 21st. The case underscores the serious nature of her offences and the ongoing efforts of authorities to address and prevent such predatory behavior in the Lisburn and Craigavon areas.