HERBERT BALMER FROM BALLYMENA SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN NORTHERN IRELAND

In a significant development within the realm of criminal justice in Northern Ireland, Herbert Balmer, a 61-year-old resident of Ballymena, has been formally sentenced to prison for a series of historical child sexual abuse offenses. The sentencing took place on Thursday, 13th March, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to address and combat sexual crimes against minors in the region.

Herbert, commonly known as Herbie, was convicted on multiple counts related to his heinous actions. The court found him guilty of eight separate charges of indecent assault, along with six counts of gross indecency committed against or towards a child. These charges stem from incidents that, although committed years ago, have only recently come to light and been brought before the judicial system.

The judge sentenced Balmer to a total of seven and a half years in prison. Of this sentence, six and a half years will be served behind bars, with the remaining 12 months designated as probation. This probation period is intended to monitor his conduct post-release and ensure compliance with the conditions set forth by the court.

Furthermore, Balmer will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for a duration of five years. This order is designed to restrict his activities and interactions, particularly those involving minors, to prevent any potential future offenses and to safeguard the community.

Detective Chief Inspector Claire Gilbert, who is part of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Public Protection Branch, publicly acknowledged the bravery of the victims who came forward. She emphasized the importance of their courage in seeking justice, stating, “I would like to commend the bravery of the victims for coming forward to bring Balmer before the courts to answer for his crimes.”

Detective Chief Inspector Gilbert also reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to tackling sexual abuse, regardless of when the crimes occurred. She highlighted the dedication of the police detectives involved in this case, noting, “We in the Police Service of Northern Ireland take all allegations of sexual abuse extremely seriously. We have a team of dedicated Detectives who are determined to bring anyone involved in any form of abuse before the courts to answer for their crimes, no matter when they occurred.”

She concluded with an encouraging message, reminding the public that it is never too late to report sexual abuse, even if the incident took place many years ago. This case underscores the ongoing efforts to ensure justice for victims and to hold offenders accountable, regardless of the passage of time.