CHRISTOPHER COWAN FROM BALLYCLARE AND PARKGATE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has once again brought to light serious concerns about the safety of minors and the responsibilities of those who violate their trust, Christopher Cowan, a 27-year-old man from the areas of Ballyclare and Parkgate, was sentenced to 15 months in prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activities with a girl who was only 15 years old at the time.

The incident took place during the early months of 2010, specifically between January 1 and April 10, and the case was brought before Belfast Crown Court. Cowan appeared before the court to face charges related to two separate instances of sexual activity with a minor, which he ultimately pleaded guilty to. As part of his sentence, he was also ordered to sign the police sex offenders register for a period of ten years, a measure intended to monitor his activities and prevent further offenses.

The court proceedings revealed that this was not Cowan’s first encounter with the law concerning the abuse of underage girls. It was disclosed that he had previously received a six-month suspended sentence when he was 18 years old for the indecent assault of a 13-year-old girl. This prior conviction underscored a troubling pattern of behavior, and Judge David McFarland explicitly stated that Cowan’s latest actions demonstrated a lack of genuine change in his attitudes and conduct.

During the hearing, prosecutor Kate McKay explained that the 15-year-old girl involved in the recent case was reluctant to give evidence or make a statement, which complicated the proceedings. However, her mother provided testimony that supported the allegations against Cowan. Based on this evidence, Cowan was arrested and taken in for questioning. Despite being interviewed, he chose to remain silent and declined to answer any questions posed by the authorities.

Ultimately, Cowan admitted to two counts of sexual activity with a child, acknowledging his guilt in a plea that covered offenses committed within the specified period. The judge emphasized the gravity of the case, noting that although the sexual encounters appeared consensual, the age of the girl rendered her incapable of legally consenting to such acts, as the age of consent in Northern Ireland is 16. The judge also pointed out that Cowan’s previous conviction and ongoing behavior indicated a troubling disregard for the law and the well-being of minors.

In delivering his sentence, Judge McFarland highlighted the difficulty in sentencing such cases but reaffirmed the importance of protecting vulnerable minors from exploitation. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding child protection and the importance of holding offenders accountable to prevent further harm in communities like Ballyclare and Parkgate.