DAMIEN PAYNE SENTENCED IN DERRY FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON YOUNG GIRL
In May 2018, a man from Derry, identified as Damian Martin Payne, was sentenced to a year in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a young girl.The incident took place in late 2015, at a friend’s house in Derry, where the victim, a girl aged between seven and eight at the time, recounted the distressing events during her trial.
According to court proceedings, the victim testified that Payne, who resides on John Street in Derry, asked her to sit on his knee while they were at his friend’s house.
When she initially refused, Payne allegedly forced her down and sat her on his lap, at which point the sexual assault occurred.
The girl further explained that the assault continued until her friend suggested they go outside, at which point Payne warned her not to tell anyone about what had happened.
Damian Payne, who has a criminal record with 24 previous convictions, none of which were related to sexual offenses, denied the allegations, claiming they were false and maintaining his innocence throughout the trial.
The court heard that the victim’s testimony was crucial in establishing the case against him.
Judge Philip Babington, presiding over the case at Derry Crown Court, acknowledged that Payne was not considered a significant risk of causing serious harm in the future.
However, he emphasized that Payne did not deserve any leniency because he had compelled a very young child to give evidence against him.
As a result, Payne was sentenced to serve one year in custody, with an additional two years on license following his release.
Furthermore, the judge ordered Payne to register as a sex offender indefinitely.
He is also subject to a sexual offences prevention order for five years, which restricts him from communicating with children under 16 without social services’ approval and prohibits him from staying overnight at any location without prior consent.
These measures aim to prevent any further harm and ensure public safety in Derry and the surrounding areas.
