KEVIN CARVILLE FROM LURGAN AND CASTLEWELLAN SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE

In a significant case that has shocked the communities of Castlewellan and Lurgan, Kevin Carville, aged 49, was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Downpatrick Crown Court for a series of heinous child abuse offenses. The crimes involved eight young victims, comprising four boys and four girls, whose ages ranged from five to 14 years old at the time of the abuse, which spanned over a decade from 1978 to 1990.

Carville, a resident of Liscorran Court in Lurgan, was found guilty of abusing children both in their own homes and at his residence in Castlewellan, County Down. The abuse was uncovered after a police investigation was initiated in November 2004, when three of the victims courageously came forward to report their experiences. As the investigation progressed, the remaining children also disclosed their suffering, revealing a disturbing pattern of exploitation.

One of the victims described Carville as “a devious cunning man,” highlighting the manipulative nature of his actions. Despite initially denying the allegations, Carville eventually pleaded guilty to 22 separate charges, including seven counts of indecent assault and 12 counts of gross indecency involving children. His admission of guilt marked a significant moment in the case, bringing some measure of justice for the victims.

During the sentencing, Judge Peter Gibson emphasized the gravity of Carville’s betrayal of trust. He ordered Carville to be placed on the sex offenders register for life and prohibited him from ever having contact with his victims or any other children. The judge condemned Carville’s actions, stating, “He was in a position of trust and abused it to satisfy his sexual desires,” underscoring the severity of the crimes committed in the communities of Castlewellan and Lurgan.