JOHN SHIVERS FROM MAGHERAFELT SENTENCED AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT AT MOYOLA PARK GOLF CLUB

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Magherafelt and the surrounding areas, John Shivers, a painter and decorator from Grange Park in Magherafelt, Co Derry, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman following her father-in-law's funeral. The incident took place on September 30, 2016, at the clubhouse of Moyola Park Golf Club near Castledawson, where mourners had gathered for a meal after the funeral service.

Mrs. Oonagh Hughes, aged 51, who chose to waive her right to anonymity in order to encourage others to come forward and report sexual assaults, was the victim in this distressing case. She recounted the assault, which occurred in a social setting among friends and family, and described the emotional toll it has taken on her life. Mrs. Hughes expressed her relief and sense of justice after the court's decision, stating that she now feels able to begin 'living again' after the conviction.

Shivers was convicted at Belfast Magistrates' Court on April 2 of this year. The court found that he had sexually assaulted Mrs. Hughes by sitting beside her and making inappropriate advances, including moving his hand up her thigh. When she asked him to stop, he responded with sexual remarks and continued the assault, which resulted in her tights being torn. DNA evidence collected from her torn tights confirmed his involvement in the assault.

During the trial, it was revealed that Shivers, who was a close friend of Mrs. Hughes' brother-in-law, was seated next to her at the time of the incident. The assault was witnessed by Mrs. Hughes' daughter, who provided testimony via videolink from Australia, where she was spending a year traveling. Despite her testimony, many family members and friends were divided over her decision to report the incident to the police, with some disapproving of her actions.

Following his conviction, Shivers was initially ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for five years, complete 220 hours of community service within a year, and pay his victim £1,000 in compensation. However, after an appeal hearing at Derry Crown Court, Judge Elizabeth McCaffrey upheld the conviction but revoked the orders for sex offender registration and community service. Instead, she imposed a fine of £250 and increased the compensation to £2,000, payable to Mrs. Hughes.

In her remarks, Judge McCaffrey highlighted that Shivers' DNA was found on the torn tights and emphasized that the assault was witnessed by others. She acknowledged the emotional distress caused to Mrs. Hughes and her family, noting that the case had deeply divided the community of Castledawson, splitting families and long-standing friendships. Mrs. Hughes reflected on the case, describing the legal process as 'completely harrowing' and expressing her feelings of vindication. She stated that her life had been on hold for nearly three years and that she now feels ready to move forward.

Mrs. Hughes also commented on the broader significance of her case, calling it 'a victory for all women' and emphasizing the importance of justice and support for victims of sexual assault. Her courage in coming forward has been seen as an inspiration to others who have experienced similar trauma, and her case continues to resonate within the local community and beyond.