MATTHEW MCINERNEY SHOCKS DUNDEE AND NEWTOWNARDS WITH SEXUAL ABUSE OF NIECES

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through both Dundee and Newtownards, Matthew McInerney, a 29-year-old man originally from the Ards area, has admitted to a series of serious sexual offenses involving his two teenage nieces. The allegations, which span several years, reveal a pattern of predatory behavior that has left the victims and their families deeply traumatized.

McInerney, who now resides at Balgay View in Dundee, was brought before the court to face charges related to his abuse of the two women, now aged 18 and 22. The victims, who bravely chose to waive their right to anonymity in April, publicly identified themselves to ensure that their abuser could be named and held accountable. Their decision underscores the severity of the crimes and their desire to prevent similar incidents from happening to others.

The court proceedings revealed that McInerney had engaged in a range of vile acts, including indecent assault on a female, inciting child prostitution and pornography, sexual activity with a family member under 18, and encouraging a family member to participate in a sex act. During the hearing, it was disclosed that McInerney had shown romantic and sexual interest in both nieces when they were still minors. Evidence presented included an incident where he kissed Adele while she was sitting on his bed, and another where he sent her a picture of an aroused male, which she chose to ignore.

Further disturbing details emerged when McInerney repeatedly pressured his nieces to send him nude photographs of themselves. Despite their clear refusal, he persisted in his attempts. On one occasion, he even tried to kiss one of the girls while intoxicated. The victims eventually confronted him, threatening to reveal his actions, to which he responded with a plea: “Please don’t tell, I am engaged. I have much to lose, my job, everything.”

Defense lawyers argued that because the age difference between McInerney and his nieces was relatively small, he had always regarded them as “young adults rather than children,” a claim that did little to mitigate the gravity of his actions. The court heard that the abuse took place in a relative’s home on multiple occasions up until 2010.

At a hearing held at Newry Crown Court, Judge Stephen Fowler QC sentenced McInerney to three years of probation. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years, a measure intended to monitor his activities and prevent further harm. The court’s decision came after McInerney admitted to four charges of indecency and related offenses, though he faced a total of seven charges initially, including allegations of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Some charges, such as gross indecency and additional counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, were left unprosecuted following a plea bargain agreed upon by the family and legal representatives to avoid the trauma of a full trial.

Naomi, one of the victims, expressed her feelings of ongoing distress, stating, “I feel no matter what happens to him, justice will never be done. It will live with us forever, it’s not going to go away.” She described the trauma as overwhelming, adding, “Whenever I think about him I want to be sick. It’s not something I’m really able to deal with and I don’t think I ever will, it’s too traumatic and I just want to get on with my life now.”

Adele, her sister, shared her relief that her uncle had pleaded guilty, recounting that the abuse began with inappropriate touching at their grandmother’s house and escalated to receiving explicit material via text messages and indecent requests. She explained that the realization they were both being targeted came when they noticed McInerney communicating with her sister through instant messaging. The sisters confided in their mother, Kerry, who has publicly expressed her disgust and heartbreak over her brother’s actions. Kerry, who is also McInerney’s sister, revealed her disapproval of the family’s continued contact with him, despite his admission of guilt.

She stated, “He worked in Dundee and also had jobs in Newtownards, in Ards Leisure Centre and was also a youth leader in North Belfast. The sad thing is that even after he has admitted those charges, the rest of my family are still saying my daughters are liars. I’ve just disassociated myself from them, I’m disgusted at the fact they still allow him around their children.”

Mrs. Kerry emphasized the importance of public awareness, urging local residents in Dundee to be cautious and informed about the individual living among them. McInerney was released on bail and is scheduled for sentencing on May 23 in Downpatrick, where the court will determine the final consequences of his actions. The case continues to resonate deeply within the communities of Dundee and Newtownards, highlighting the devastating impact of such abuse and the ongoing need for vigilance and justice.