DAVID SHERLOCK FROM BALLYWALTER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
| Red Rose Database
Ballywalter Child Sexual Abuser
In a significant development, the identity of David Sherlock, a man from Ballywalter, who was previously protected by reporting restrictions, has now been publicly disclosed following a decision by Downpatrick Crown Court. Sherlock, aged 57, was found guilty of sexually abusing a young girl over a period of approximately one year, during which he was also facing charges related to possessing a staggering 33,000 indecent images of children.
His crimes came to light amidst ongoing legal proceedings, and the court's decision to lift reporting restrictions has allowed the public to learn about the full extent of his offenses. Sherlock's actions involved multiple instances of inappropriate physical contact with the girl, including sexual touching, which he deliberately carried out on several occasions. The abuse was characterized by inappropriate hugging and tickling, acts that were indicative of grooming behavior, as noted by prosecutors.
During the trial, Crown Court Judge David Smyth sentenced Sherlock to a term of two and a half years in prison. This sentence was in addition to the time Sherlock had already served for the possession of indecent images, which amounted to a year. The court's ruling underscores the severity of his offenses and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
Prosecution barrister Sean O’Kane highlighted that Sherlock, who is currently incarcerated, had a pattern of giving gifts, including jewelry and clothes, to his young victim. Such behavior was seen as a clear indication of grooming, aimed at establishing trust and facilitating ongoing abuse.
As part of his sentence, Sherlock will remain on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions designed to protect the public from potential future offenses. The case has drawn attention to the dangers of grooming and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable children within the Ballywalter community and beyond.
His crimes came to light amidst ongoing legal proceedings, and the court's decision to lift reporting restrictions has allowed the public to learn about the full extent of his offenses. Sherlock's actions involved multiple instances of inappropriate physical contact with the girl, including sexual touching, which he deliberately carried out on several occasions. The abuse was characterized by inappropriate hugging and tickling, acts that were indicative of grooming behavior, as noted by prosecutors.
During the trial, Crown Court Judge David Smyth sentenced Sherlock to a term of two and a half years in prison. This sentence was in addition to the time Sherlock had already served for the possession of indecent images, which amounted to a year. The court's ruling underscores the severity of his offenses and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
Prosecution barrister Sean O’Kane highlighted that Sherlock, who is currently incarcerated, had a pattern of giving gifts, including jewelry and clothes, to his young victim. Such behavior was seen as a clear indication of grooming, aimed at establishing trust and facilitating ongoing abuse.
As part of his sentence, Sherlock will remain on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions designed to protect the public from potential future offenses. The case has drawn attention to the dangers of grooming and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable children within the Ballywalter community and beyond.