THOMAS MOORE FROM ANTRIM AND MUCKAMORE JAILED FOR HISTORIC CHILD ABUSE IN BELFAST

In a significant case heard at Belfast Crown Court, Thomas Moore, a 41-year-old man with ties to Antrim and Muckamore, was sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to sexually abusing a young boy over two decades ago. The court also imposed a three-year probation period during which Moore will be required to participate in a sex offenders' rehabilitation programme, aimed at preventing future offenses and aiding his reintegration into society upon release.

Judge Gemma Loughran delivered a stern message about the gravity of such crimes, emphasizing that "sex abuse, particularly where there is an abuse of trust, is a pernicious evil in our society." She underscored the importance of the courts' role in punishing offenders to deter others and to demonstrate that the justice system will not tolerate such heinous behavior. The judge pointed out that those who exploit children and rob them of their innocence must face the consequences, including imprisonment.

Moore’s guilty pleas to five charges of gross indecency played a role in the court’s decision, as Judge Loughran acknowledged that his cooperation spared the victim from the ordeal of giving evidence in court. The victim, an eight-year-old boy at the time of the abuse, was too young to comprehend fully what was happening or to understand the implications of Moore’s actions.

The offences came to light last year when the victim, who is still undergoing counselling, recognized Moore in a supermarket in Muckamore. This sighting prompted the victim to disclose the abuse, leading to the investigation and subsequent court proceedings.

Moore, who resides at Dunadry Mews in Muckamore, Antrim, was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years. Additionally, he was prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults for the same duration, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety.

During the hearing, the prosecution’s lawyer, Philip Henry, detailed the nature of the abuse, emphasizing that the victim was an innocent eight-year-old boy who was too young to understand or resist what was happening to him. The court was told that the offences occurred over a relatively short period, from August 1990 to August 1991, with the incidents concentrated within a six-week window.

Moore’s defence lawyer, Campbell Dunn, highlighted his client’s remorse and mental health struggles, revealing that Moore has attempted to take his own life on three separate occasions over the years. Dunn expressed Moore’s regret and wished he could undo the past, stating that his client is deeply remorseful for his actions. The court was also informed that Moore’s guilty pleas helped to alleviate some of the trauma for the victim by avoiding a lengthy trial process.