MUSIC TEACHER WHO SANG FOR THE POPE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL COMMUNICATION WITH A CHILD
A former music teacher who previously performed for the Pope in Rome has avoided immediate imprisonment after being convicted of engaging in sexual communication with a minor.Instead, Judge Gordon Kerr sentenced Nigel McClintock, aged 51 and residing on Albert Road in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, to a three-year probation period.
This decision aimed to address underlying issues related to his alcohol abuse.
McClintock pleaded guilty to one count of communicating sexually with a child with learning difficulties.
Belfast Crown Court was informed that between April 24 and May 1, 2022, he was messaging a teenage boy under 16 years old.
Prosecutor Kate McKay explained that on May 7, 2022, police received a report from the boy’s mother regarding Facebook messages her son had received from McClintock.
These included invitations to his home for "hugs and cuddles," which, when refused, resulted in obscene replies from the defendant.
Police visited the victim’s home and examined the messages, leading to McClintock’s arrest.
In police interviews, he claimed to have no memory of the messages but later acknowledged some recollection, attributing his actions to alcohol intoxication.
He also stated his intentions were to act as a father figure and was aware of the victim’s age and disability.
During questioning, McClintock admitted he was gay but said he was not attracted to young boys.
He explained the messages were the result of excessive alcohol use and expressed devastation upon realising the content of the messages.
Previously, McClintock was a chorister and served as the director of music at St Peter’s Cathedral in West Belfast.
He appeared in a BBC documentary titled "Choirboys," which documented his choir’s trip to Rome to perform for Pope Benedict XVI.
He resigned from his role at the cathedral before the offenses occurred.
Judge Kerr noted that McClintock had no prior convictions, was well-regarded for his character, and had shown remorse.
The court highlighted his extensive background in music education and references from colleagues as evidence of his dedication and talent.
A pre-sentence report revealed that McClintock had recently struggled with alcohol dependency.
The court acknowledged the serious impact of his actions on the victim.
The victim’s statement indicated behavioral changes following contact with McClintock, though not improvements.
The Probation Service assessed him as having a moderate risk of reoffending.
The judge stressed that, considering his previous good character and history of working with children, detention was not justified, provided protective measures were in place.
The sentence included a probation order with a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order and a five-year period on the sex offenders register, intended to regulate his future conduct and ensure community safety.
