JACK THOMPSON

Three men who admitted filming a woman engaging in sexual activity without her consent have been told by a judge "you should hang your heads in shame”.

They were each handed 12-month sentences today, suspended for three years by Judge Patrick Lynch KC.

Nathan Howard (28), from Cairndale in Belfast, Jason Lewis (24), of Harmin Park in Newtownabbey, and Jack Thompson (23), from Boyne Row in Maghera, were sentenced for a single charge of voyeurism dating to June 2022.

Belfast Crown Court heard the victim is now "sadly deceased" and that the trio initially faced more serious sexual offences which were not pursued.

On the evening of June 4, 2022, the three men went back to Howard's flat with two females, one of whom was the victim.

Alcohol was consumed by all five and sexual activity occurred between the victim, Howard and Thompson which was recorded by Lewis on a mobile phone.

All three men were aware that the recording was taking place.

When the victim became aware that she was being recorded, which she did not consent to, she dialled 999.

Police arrived a short time later, and mobile phones were seized.

During his interview, Lewis said he didn't know the victim prior to that evening and that he was asked by one of his co-accused to record the sex act, which he did.

Howard initially denied any sexual activity had taken place with the victim, but later said he had been involved in a threesome.

Thompson admitted the sexual activity and when asked if he was aware it was being recorded, he said he couldn't recall.

The court heard that several short videos were recorded during the offending.

The victim "becomes aware there is a recording" and from her reaction, it was clear she "didn't want such recording to take place".

This was repeated when she made the 999 call and to police.

There was no evidence that any of the "very explicit" footage had been disseminated.

Howard's barrister, Richard McConkey KC, mentioned his client's limited "cognitive abilities" and lack of prior convictions.

Lewis's lawyer, Eoin Devlin KC, described him as "extremely distraught" and confirmed no re-offending since.

Neil Connor KC, representing Thompson, stated all parties, including the victim, had "over-indulged" in alcohol, and his client "apologises for his involvement".

Since the victim is now deceased, there was no victim impact statement; however, her father described her as a "bright and bubbly girl" loved and missed by her family.

He expressed disgust and sadness about what happened to her and the callous treatment by the offenders.

Judge Lynch condemned the actions, saying "you should hang your heads in shame" and emphasizing the distress caused.

The judge ordered the three men to be placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years.