NOEL MOORE FROM LONDONDERRY SENTENCED FOR 1970S SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL

In a case that has spanned decades and resurfaced through a chance encounter, Noel Samuel Moore, a pensioner from Londonderry, has been sentenced to prison for historic sexual offenses committed during the 1970s. The proceedings took place at Derry Crown Court, where Moore, a widower residing on Seymour Road, pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of a young girl during that period.

According to court records, Moore was involved in a disturbing pattern of behavior that began in October 1971 and continued until October 1976. During this time, the victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was between the ages of nine and 14. The charges included three counts of indecently assaulting the girl and three counts of engaging in acts of indecency towards a child. The court was informed that Moore’s actions were facilitated through a connection with a friend of his, who was also a known paedophile and who is believed to have been involved in abusing the same girl.

It was revealed that Moore would pick the girl up from school in his car, where he would commit the assaults. After each incident, he would give her money, further complicating the trauma inflicted upon her. The victim initially reported her concerns to the police, focusing on Moore’s friend, who was subsequently questioned. Tragically, the friend committed suicide the day after police officers interrogated him about the abuse, leaving the case unresolved at that time.

Years later, the victim encountered Moore again through mutual friends. Confronted with the reality of her past, she learned that Moore had claimed he was young at the time of the offenses. When she confronted him about the abuse, he responded by saying he “was young then.” This prompted her to go to the police once more. Initially, Moore denied the allegations, claiming he was “courting her” in his car when she was 14 and he was in his 30s. However, he later admitted guilt and pleaded guilty to all charges.

During sentencing, Judge Desmond Marrinan acknowledged the profound impact the abuse had on the victim’s life. He stated that she had experienced “many problems in her life and relationships,” which, although not publicly detailed, were influenced by the trauma of the abuse.

Moore was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. Additionally, the judge imposed a three-year probation period, during which Moore is required to undertake a sex offenders’ treatment program. Furthermore, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct.