DAVID PAGE FROM BELFAST AND LURGAN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON SIX-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN LURGAN

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, David Page, a 42-year-old man with connections to both Belfast and Lurgan, was convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving a young girl. The incident took place in Lurgan, where Page lured a six-year-old girl into his residence under false pretenses, leading to a sexual assault that has left lasting scars on the victim and her family.

The court proceedings revealed that Page, who resided on Ventry Lane in Belfast but had been living on Albert Street in Lurgan, had a troubling criminal history. His past includes multiple sexual assaults on children, a count of rape for which he served a seven-year prison sentence, and repeated violations of Sexual Offences Prevention Orders (SOPOs). Despite these convictions, Page continued to pose a significant risk, as indicated by a probation report that highlighted his failure to engage with offender rehabilitation programs, his disregard for court orders, and his refusal to accept responsibility for his actions.

The case against Page was brought to light after the young girl, who was known to the community for her routine visits to her friend's house, became the victim of his predatory behavior. On May 7 of the previous year, as she was walking home from her friend's house, Page emerged from his residence and approached her. He extended his arms, picked her up, and then set her down, instructing her to enter his house through the back door. The girl, initially hesitant, entered the premises where Page offered her popcorn, which she refused. He then proceeded to kiss her on the lips and began to rub her back, stomach, and knee, actions that clearly indicated sexual misconduct.

Feeling frightened and overwhelmed, the young girl expressed her desire to go home. At this point, Page's demeanor changed; he became angry and warned her that if she told her parents, she would not be allowed back into his house. The girl managed to escape and immediately raised the alarm, prompting police intervention. During police interviews, Page initially denied knowing the girl but later claimed he knew all the children in the street. He also denied that the girl had ever been in his home, suggesting that his door was often left open, which might have allowed her entry. When questioned about the incident of picking her up, he eventually admitted to doing so but claimed it was only to prevent her from being hit by a car.

Page's refusal to appear in court for sentencing, citing concerns over public interest and his perceived human rights, led to tense moments during previous hearings. He struggled with custody guards and refused to leave his cell for the sentencing hearing at Craigavon Crown Court. Judge Patrick Lynch, presiding over the case, decided not to adjourn further proceedings and proceeded with the sentencing. The judge described Page as a persistent offender, emphasizing the sexual nature of his misconduct and the pattern of behavior that had caused significant harm to the victim.

In his sentencing, David Page was sentenced to a total of three years in prison. Additionally, his existing SOPO, which was set to expire in 2016, was extended until 2020 to ensure ongoing restrictions and monitoring. The victim's mother provided a heartfelt victim impact statement, describing how her daughter, once a happy and carefree child, had become angry and self-blaming as a result of the assault.

Separately, in January 2014, a legal battle over the anonymity of David Page unfolded. Initially, a judge had granted reporting restrictions to protect his identity, despite extensive media coverage and the fact that details of the case had been publicly available for some time. This decision was challenged by the press, citing procedural errors and the lack of a clear nexus between the case and the victim that would justify anonymity. The case was further complicated when Page refused to appear in court for a remand hearing, which was held in a cell rather than in the courtroom. Ultimately, a different judge at Craigavon Crown Court overturned the reporting restrictions, ruling that there was no valid reason to maintain anonymity given the circumstances. Page remains in custody pending further pre-sentence reports and is scheduled to appear again before the court on February 28.