OLIVER JAMES MACCORMACK SENTENCED IN BELFAST FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

The victims of Oliver James MacCormack, a man who systematically supplied heroin to vulnerable women in Belfast and subsequently exploited them for sexual services, voiced their anger and frustration publicly following his sentencing. MacCormack, aged 71, was brought before Belfast Crown Court to face justice for a series of heinous crimes spanning from 2015 to 2022. As he entered the courtroom, he turned his gaze toward the gallery, where some of the victims and their families were seated, and fixed his eyes on them with a cold stare.

Judge Gordon Kerr KC delivered a sentence of seven years in prison for MacCormack, with the term to be divided equally between incarceration and supervised release on license. The moment the sentence was announced, a member of the gallery shouted “boo,” triggering a wave of reactions from those present. Some victims were seen crying, while others directed insults at MacCormack, calling him a “tramp” or a “scumbag.”

MacCormack had pleaded guilty to a total of 40 criminal charges, which encompassed offenses committed over a period of seven years. These charges involved nine women, one of whom has since died. The crimes included multiple counts of human trafficking, supplying a Class A drug—heroin—and controlling prostitution for financial gain. Additionally, he admitted to charges of intimidation and perverting the course of justice. His address was recorded as HMP Maghaberry, where he has been held since his arrest.

Judge Kerr described MacCormack’s criminal conduct as “protracted, ongoing, and repeated,” emphasizing the severity and persistence of his actions. The victims, all women aged between 17 and their early 20s, were targeted because of their vulnerable circumstances, including homelessness, drug addiction, and recent escapes from abusive relationships. The court heard that MacCormack deliberately made himself indispensable to these women by securing employment opportunities for them as sex workers, providing them with food, and supplying heroin to maintain their dependence.

He exploited their vulnerabilities by sharing drugs with them and using heroin as a means of control. MacCormack transported the women to sexual encounters with clients, often while they were high or experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Some victims described being “pimped” by him, with some of their earnings—up to 60%—being taken by MacCormack himself. His offending was uncovered through an investigation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit. Following his arrest, MacCormack falsely claimed to police that he was merely helping vulnerable women who were his friends, asserting that he provided lifts, money, and food to assist them.

The court also considered victim impact statements, including one from the mother of a woman who died from a drug overdose, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll inflicted by MacCormack’s exploitation. MacCormack has been in custody since May 2022, and despite his incarceration, his partner and two children remain supportive of him. The court sentenced him to an additional six years for the trafficking and drug offenses, with a further 12 months added consecutively for intimidation and perverting the course of justice.

As MacCormack was led away from the court, members of the gallery shouted insults, including calling him a “paedo,” “tramp,” and “scumbag.” Outside the courtroom, family members of the victims expressed their outrage. One brother, in particular, stated that MacCormack “ruined her life,” referring to his sister. Police officials described MacCormack as a manipulative individual who groomed and encouraged women into sex work, often targeting those in vulnerable situations. Detective Inspector Rachel Miskelly noted that MacCormack was part of a broader network of older men who preyed on vulnerable women for profit and sexual exploitation, referencing similar recent cases in Belfast involving other traffickers.

The police emphasized that the victims’ vulnerabilities included mental health issues, homelessness, and drug dependency, with MacCormack playing a significant role in fostering their heroin dependence and controlling their prostitution activities. The investigation was supported by the Public Prosecution Service, Woman’s Aid, Extern, and The Welcome Centre. Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspicious activity related to human trafficking by calling 101 or providing anonymous tips through Crimestoppers.