DAVID VOYLE SENTENCED IN WEST BELFAST FOR MULTIPLE SEXUAL OFFENCES

A 46-year-old man from West Belfast has been formally sentenced at Laganside Crown Court on Friday, 11 April, following his conviction for a series of serious sexual offences committed in June 2024. The charges against David Voyle included rape, sexual assault by penetration, sexual assault, and common assault, all of which paint a disturbing picture of his criminal behavior during that period.

Voyle’s sentencing resulted in a prison term of eight years. The court ordered that he serve half of this sentence in custody, with the remaining four years to be served on licence, allowing for supervised release under specific conditions. Additionally, the court granted a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), a legal measure designed to restrict Voyle’s activities and reduce the risk of reoffending, thereby providing an extra layer of protection for the community.

Detective Sergeant Nick Harris provided a statement regarding the case, emphasizing the gravity of Voyle’s actions. He remarked, "Pretending to come to the aid of a teenage girl by calling her a taxi to get home, Voyle betrayed her trust in the cruellest way imaginable." This comment highlights the manipulative tactics used by Voyle to exploit the victim’s trust and vulnerability. Sergeant Harris also praised the bravery of the young girl involved, stating, "She has displayed immense courage in seeing this investigation through to a successful conclusion. I hope that her tenacity and resolution to bring this man to justice will encourage anyone else who has experienced any form of sexual abuse to come forward to police."

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Police Service of Northern Ireland to thoroughly investigate all reports of sexual offences. The police remain dedicated to ensuring that offenders are brought before the courts and held accountable for their crimes. Sergeant Harris also reassured victims of sexual abuse that they would be treated with the utmost respect and sensitivity, encouraging anyone who has been affected to contact the police either through the non-emergency number 101 or, in urgent cases, via 999.

Overall, the case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement in West Belfast and across Northern Ireland to combat sexual violence and protect vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior.