JOHN WORKMAN FROM LARNE SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE GIRL IN NORTHERN IRELAND

In a serious case that has shocked the community of Larne, a 34-year-old man named John Workman has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in grooming and sexually abusing a young girl. The incident, which took place over a period spanning from March to October 2014, involved the manipulation and exploitation of a girl aged just 13 at the time.

Workman, a youth football coach from Craighyhill in Larne, appeared before Antrim Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to his misconduct. The charges included meeting a child following sexual grooming and engaging in sexual activities with a girl aged 13 to 16, with the acts occurring on various dates within the specified period. The court was informed that the victim, who was only 13 and 14 years old during the abuse, saw Workman as a paternal figure, a perception he exploited to establish a relationship that was solely for his own sexual gratification.

Prosecutor QC Terence Mooney detailed how Workman subjected the girl to a series of sexual acts, including unprotected sex, which resulted in her contracting a sexually transmitted disease. The grooming process reportedly ended only when Workman disclosed to the girl that their activities had been discovered by outside parties, including certain paramilitary groups. Following this revelation, Workman instructed the girl to delete any evidence of their communication, such as text messages and social media messages, to avoid detection.

The police became involved after the girl, fearing what might happen to her or her family due to paramilitary attention, confided in a teacher. This led to an investigation, during which Workman was arrested and interviewed. During questioning, he admitted that his motivation was sexual gratification but claimed that there was some element of consent involved. However, the court emphasized that as an adult, Workman should have known that his relationship with the minor was entirely inappropriate, illegal, and a breach of trust.

Judge Brian Sherrard sentenced Workman to two years in prison and ordered that he spend an additional two years on licence following his release. Furthermore, Workman was permanently barred from working with children and was required to register as a sex offender for life. The court also imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which restricts him from having access to children or accepting employment involving children without prior approval from a designated risk manager.

Outside the courtroom, friends and relatives of the victim expressed their relief that justice had been served, describing themselves as 'just relieved that it’s all over.' The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Larne, highlighting the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people from exploitation and abuse.