Former fire chief jailed for grooming girl, claims victim

FORMER FIRE CHIEF JAILED FOR GROOMING GIRL, CLAIMS VICTIM

Nikella Holmes, a woman from Ballymena in County Antrim, revealed she was groomed by former fire chief Gary Thompson from the moment they met.

Thompson, 56, of Rogan Wood in Newtownabbey, was sentenced at Belfast Crown Court to eight months in prison after admitting two counts of indecent assault which took place over four months in 2006, when she was 15 and he was 38.

The court heard how Thompson abused her when he was her church youth leader, grooming her through flirtatious text messages and taking her to secluded areas for sexual contact, including touching her legs, breasts, and vaginal area over clothes.

The judge stated Ms Holmes showed 'courage and persistence' during the legal process, and Thompson would also be under 15 months of supervision and a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for five years.

Thompson's actions have left lasting trauma, and Ms Holmes expressed that predators can appear as respected figures, emphasizing that lack of force does not mean consent, and abuse remains abuse.

She reported the incident in 2018, which cost her friendships and her faith, and she believes he has more victims due to his grooming starting the moment she met him.

Thompson previously served as Chief Fire and Rescue Officer in 2016, suspended in 2018, retiring in 2020 after a PSNI investigation.

His church has stated they ensured safeguarding measures and are saddened by the news.

Victims’ commissioner Geraldine Hanna criticized the lengthy delay of six years in the case and remarked that character references should not influence sentencing, fearing they can perpetuate victim silencing.