PATRICK MCALEESE'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN BALLYMENA AND LOUGHGUILE: A CASE OF BETRAYAL AND JUSTICE FAILURES

In November 2003, a disturbing case involving Patrick McAleese, a man from Ballymena and Loughguile, came to the forefront of public concern and media attention. McAleese, aged 64, was convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young girls over a span of more than three decades. The revelations about his crimes have sparked outrage among victims, community members, and authorities alike.

McAleese, a farmer residing on Corky Road in Loughguile, was found guilty of abusing six female children, with the youngest victim being only six years old at the time the abuse began. The offenses date back to 1972, and the case has cast a long shadow over the communities of Ballymena and Loughguile, raising serious questions about the safety of children and the adequacy of the justice system in handling such sensitive cases.

Following his conviction, McAleese was sentenced at North Antrim Magistrates Court in Coleraine to a term of one year in prison for each of the 12 charges of indecent assault, with all sentences to run concurrently. Despite the gravity of his crimes, McAleese immediately lodged an appeal, and as a result, he was released on bail pending the outcome of the appeal process. His release was met with disgust and dismay from his victims, who could only watch as he left the courthouse in Coleraine, free once again.

McAleese’s supporters in court included over 20 individuals, among them family members, a priest, and two nuns. His defense team, seeking leniency, highlighted his health issues, which included vertigo, arthritis, back pain, muscle wasting, sleep disturbances, mental strain, and an injury sustained from a cow kicking him in the head. A barrister representing McAleese requested the court to show mercy, emphasizing his poor health and the fact that he posed a low risk to children according to psychological assessments.

Psychologist Dr. Ian Bones provided insight into McAleese’s mental state, stating that he was extremely anxious about serving time in prison, fearing the adverse attention from other inmates due to his convictions. Dr. Bones also noted that McAleese had contemplated ending his life, believing his future prospects were bleak. However, he concluded that McAleese now posed a very low risk to children, as he had no history of violent or sexual offenses, was not sexually delusional, impulsive, or aggressive, and showed no interest in collecting or recording images of children for sexual gratification.

Despite these assessments, Resident Magistrate Fiona Bagnel emphasized that McAleese’s long-term betrayal of trust and the vulnerability of his victims warranted a custodial sentence. She stated that the severity and duration of the abuse justified the court’s decision to impose immediate imprisonment. McAleese showed no visible emotion as he was sentenced to 12 months for each of the 12 offenses, with all sentences to run concurrently.

In the aftermath of the sentencing, one of McAleese’s victims, known only as Ms. X, expressed her feelings. She stated, “I am satisfied that justice has been done, but I am horrified that he has been released. His sentence will send a positive message to other victims to speak out about sexual abuse. Abusers will not get away with their crimes, no matter how many years have passed. I can’t believe he has been released, but we are prepared to take this as far as we can to see justice done.”

Meanwhile, in Ballymena, the issue of McAleese’s residence in the area has caused significant concern. It was revealed that he has been living in Ballymena for the past five months, despite his conviction and bail conditions. The Ballymena Times reported that McAleese, who is required to report weekly to Ballymena Police Station and adhere to a curfew from 10 pm to 7 am, was found guilty of multiple sex offenses against young girls, with the earliest abuse dating back to 1972. The conditions of his bail included a prohibition from entering Dunloy or Loughguile.

Community members and local officials have expressed their alarm over his presence. Councillor Hubert Nicholl commented on the moral dilemma faced by society, noting that while the legal system upholds the principle of innocence until proven guilty, the public has a right to be informed once a person is convicted and living in their neighborhood. He argued that such information is vital for parents to protect their children and that the case has opened a broader debate about transparency and public safety.

He stated, “In this case, McAleese has been in Ballymena for about five months before his trial and conviction. While it was legally correct to keep his whereabouts confidential during the trial, now that he is convicted, there should be mechanisms to inform the community. If a dangerous animal was prowling an area, the public would be warned—so why not someone with serious sexual convictions?”

Councillor Nicholl acknowledged the potential for vigilantism but emphasized that the safety of children must take precedence. “Parents have a right to know who is living nearby so they can take precautions. It’s a difficult balance, but transparency is essential to prevent further harm,” he said. The police continue to monitor offenders on the sex offenders’ register through regular visits and surveillance, aiming to prevent any further incidents and ensure community safety.