JAMES MCEVOY FROM CASTLEWELLAN ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT ON BOYS DECADES AGO IN NORTHERN IRELAND

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Castlewellan and the wider Northern Ireland region, James McEvoy, aged 58, narrowly avoided imprisonment after admitting to the sexual assault of two young boys over thirty years ago. The incidents, which took place between 1984 and 1986, have only recently come to light, largely due to the heightened media attention surrounding the Jimmy Savile scandal and its aftermath.

McEvoy, who resided on Broomfield Close in Castlewellan, was a volunteer with the Mourne Mountain Rescue team at the time of the offences. His role as a mountain rescue volunteer and his employment as a ranger for the Forestry Commission in the Mourne Mountains placed him in a position of trust and admiration within the local community. His reputation, however, was significantly tarnished during the court proceedings.

Downpatrick Crown Court, which convened in Belfast, heard that McEvoy faced three counts of indecent assault against the two victims, both of whom were approximately 12 years old at the time of the abuse. The court was told that the offences occurred over a span of two years, during which McEvoy was in his early thirties. The court was also informed that the victims, one of whom looked up to McEvoy due to his volunteer work, only reported the abuse in 2012, after the media coverage related to the Jimmy Savile case reignited public awareness about historical abuse.

One of the victims came forward after seeing the publicity, while the other, initially questioned as a potential witness, later disclosed that he too had been abused by McEvoy. During police interviews, McEvoy initially denied the allegations but eventually admitted to the three counts of indecent assault. His legal team highlighted his long-standing service with the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, emphasizing his involvement in numerous successful rescue missions over three decades. They also pointed out his employment history, which included roles with the Mourne Heritage Trust and as a ranger in the Mourne Mountains.

Prosecutor Laura Ivers described how, at the time of the offences, one of the victims held McEvoy in high regard, which made the betrayal even more profound. She also noted that the victim only reported the abuse after years of silence, influenced by the media coverage of similar cases. The court was told that McEvoy’s initial denial was part of his police interview, but his subsequent admission was accepted.

Defense barrister Eugene Grant QC spoke of McEvoy’s extensive voluntary work and his otherwise clean record, describing the incidents as isolated and occurring three decades ago. He emphasized McEvoy’s contributions to the community and his employment history, which included roles that involved working closely with children and vulnerable adults.

Judge Geoffrey Miller QC, in passing sentence, acknowledged that McEvoy’s pleas of guilt spared the victims the trauma of giving evidence in court. The judge also recognized the lasting impact the abuse had on one of the victims, citing issues such as diminished self-confidence and self-worth. The judge underscored the breach of trust inherent in McEvoy’s position as a forestry official and volunteer.

While sentencing McEvoy to a 12-month prison term, suspended for two years, Judge Miller also imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for five years. This order explicitly prohibits McEvoy from working with children or vulnerable adults, reflecting the seriousness of the offences and the need to protect potential victims in the future.