JAMES MCCULLOUGH SENTENCED IN CASTLEWELLAN FOR DECADES-OLD INDECENT ASSAULTS ON TWO BROTHERS

In a case that has spanned decades and shocked the community of Castlewellan, James McCullough, a 64-year-old local businessman residing on Ballywillwill Road, has been sentenced to six months in prison for the indecent assault of two young brothers. The crimes, which occurred over twenty years ago, have brought to light a disturbing history of abuse by McCullough, who now faces not only imprisonment but also a series of restrictions aimed at preventing further harm.

McCullough appeared before Downpatrick Crown Court on a recent Wednesday to face sentencing after admitting to the charges. The court was informed that the assaults took place in the brothers’ home between the years 1994 and 1996. During the proceedings, it was revealed that McCullough, who was acquainted with the boys’ mother and had established a friendship with her family, had engaged in inappropriate conduct by fondling both boys during separate incidents. The nature of these assaults, carried out in a private setting, deeply violated the trust placed in him by the family.

Judge Piers Grant, presiding over the case, expressed his condemnation of McCullough’s actions, emphasizing the betrayal of trust involved. He stated that the defendant had abused his position of trust, especially considering the young age of the victims at the time. The judge pointed out that both boys had been significantly affected in their later lives by the trauma inflicted upon them.

“This is a clear breach of a position of trust,” Judge Grant declared. “You were in the house, and you had both boys in bed at various times. It is evident that their mother would not have permitted such conduct, trusting you implicitly. It is no surprise that they have suffered as a result of this breach.”

Furthermore, Judge Grant referenced McCullough’s extensive criminal history, which includes a previous conviction for similar offenses. Between 1971 and 1985, McCullough was involved in a series of sexual offenses against five young girls, leading to a two-year prison sentence in 2001. The court noted that these prior convictions cast a long shadow over his character and conduct.

While acknowledging that the assaults on the brothers occurred before McCullough’s 2001 conviction and that he has not reoffended since his release, the judge criticized him for not raising these recent allegations earlier. He pointed out that McCullough had the opportunity to have these offenses considered during his previous trial but chose not to do so.

In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Grant imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits McCullough from having any direct or indirect contact with the victims. The order also restricts him from “accessing, associating or communicating” with children under 16 unless explicitly approved by Social Services. Moreover, McCullough is now barred from working with children or vulnerable adults, reflecting the court’s determination to prevent any future harm.

Despite arguments from McCullough’s legal team suggesting that he may suffer from some mental difficulties, the court did not find sufficient grounds to avoid custodial sentencing. The psychiatrist’s report did not support the claim that mental health issues should mitigate his punishment, leading Judge Grant to conclude that imprisonment was necessary to uphold justice and protect the community.