NEIL BECKETT'S SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENCES IN KILMORE VILLAGE AND BELFAST SCHOOLS

Neil Beckett, a school welfare officer from Kilmore Village, has been found guilty of a disturbing series of sexual offences involving multiple teenage victims. The crimes, which spanned over eight years from 2015 to 2023, involved abuse of trust and authority, with Beckett targeting pupils at Lagan College School in south Belfast as well as two Army Cadets.

During the trial, it was revealed that Beckett, aged 44, engaged in inappropriate physical contact with his victims, which included hugging, kissing, tickling, and touching some pupils under their skirts. These acts were carried out under the guise of a position of authority, which he exploited to manipulate and groom his victims. Although he was acquitted of a rape charge, the court found him guilty of multiple sexual assault offences.

In December of the previous year, Beckett was sentenced to a total of three years in prison. The sentence comprised 18 months behind bars, followed by 18 months on licence. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was subject to a Sexual Offence Protection Order for a period of five years. The sentencing judge emphasized that Beckett’s abuse of his role and the trust placed in him was a significant aggravating factor. The court also noted that grooming behaviors persisted even after complaints had been made, highlighting the calculated nature of his misconduct.

Throughout the trial, Beckett maintained his innocence, denying all allegations brought against him. The prosecution argued that his culpability was particularly high due to the breach of trust and the profound impact his actions had on victims, many of whom suffered from mental health issues. They contended that the sentence handed down was too lenient given the severity of the offences.

In response, Beckett’s defense acknowledged the harm caused but argued that the sentence was proportionate to the circumstances. The judge, however, reserved judgment on an appeal filed by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS), with a decision expected in the coming weeks. The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, especially in Kilmore Village and Belfast, where residents are grappling with the betrayal of trust by someone in a position of care and authority.