CHARLES DUFFIN FROM BELFAST AND PORTADOWN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON SCHOOLGIRLS ON BUSSES

In a recent court ruling, Charles Duffin, aged 30, who has connections to both Belfast and Portadown, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for a series of disturbing sexual offenses committed against schoolgirls during their bus journeys home. The incidents, which took place in the early months of 2001, involved Duffin engaging in indecent behavior and assaulting young girls, some as young as 13 years old.

Charles Duffin, residing at Vicarage Street in Belfast at the time, pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent behavior and two charges of indecent assault. The court heard that Duffin would position himself beside the girls as they traveled on the bus after school hours. His actions were described as sordid and predatory, involving performing sexual acts inappropriately in front of the young victims.

Furthermore, Duffin was accused of attempting to force his hand up the skirts of the girls, adding a layer of severity to his offenses. The victims, who were vulnerable and young, endured these traumatic experiences during what should have been routine bus rides home from school.

It was also revealed that some of the victims were as young as 13, highlighting the disturbing nature of the crimes and the impact on the young girls involved. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the offenses and the age of the victims.

Adding a further somber note to the case, it was disclosed that Duffin's father, Charles Duffin Sr., aged 52, is also a convicted paedophile who was previously jailed for molesting a child. This familial connection has raised concerns about the environment and influences surrounding Duffin.

Following the court proceedings, Duffin was taken into custody to serve his sentence, marking a significant step in addressing the troubling incidents that took place in Belfast and Portadown. The case underscores ongoing issues related to child safety and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable young individuals from sexual exploitation.