FORMER DUP COUNCILLOR WILLIAM BALL JAILED FOR HISTORICAL SEXUAL OFFENCES
A former DUP Alderman William Ball, 72, has pleaded guilty to historical sex offences including indecent exposure and indecent assault against a female victim.He was due to go on trial at Belfast Crown Court on two counts of indecent exposure and one of indecently assaulting a young girl.
Before the jury was sworn, defence counsel Noel Dillon applied for re-arraignment on two charges.
Prosecutor Jim Johnston said the victim wanted to present in court during re-arraignment.
Ball admitted guilt to the first charge of exposure between April 1978 and April 1980, and to indecently assaulting a female between April 1980 and April 1981.
The court was informed that the second count, indecent exposure, would remain in the proceedings.
Judge Smyth noted Ball delayed admitting guilt until the last minute, which will be considered in sentencing.
A pre-sentence report is being prepared, and Ball may be released on continuing bail.
The judge acknowledged the victim's courage and confirmed the victim impact statements showed they were profoundly affected.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 15, 2025.
Previously, in July 2021, Ball was convicted of ten offences from 1977 to 1991, including eight counts of indecent exposure and two of indecent assault on three teenage girls, with offences committed in the Newtownabbey area.
Ball's offences involved exposing his erect penis to girls aged 13-16 multiple times, with some incidents including groping and touching over clothing.
He stated that in his early 20s, his sexual preferences were for girls aged 14-15, but this changed over time.
Judge McColgan noted the profound impact on the victims and praised their honesty.
The article continues below with additional legal proceedings and context.
———————————————————————- Sentencing update December 2025: A former DUP councillor has been sentenced for historical sexual offences committed against a young girl.
The offences carried out by William Ball, which he initially denied and claimed were "total lies" and "a good story" when questioned by police, date back to the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The 72-year-old, from Richardson Court in Belfast, received a 15-month sentence imposed by Judge Laura Ievers KC.
The former politician served on Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council until 2018 when he resigned.
This sentencing marks his second court appearance for sexual offending.
In July 2021, he was given a combination order of 80 hours of community service and a three-year probation for separate offences against three teenage girls from April 1977 to June 1991.
During Monday's court session, it was revealed that he also assaulted a fourth girl, who witnessed him exposing himself multiple times and was indecently assaulted when she was about 14.
The victim stated she regrets not reporting earlier, believing it could have prevented further incidents.
Ball denied the accusations initially but pleaded guilty before his trial started, admitting to indecently assaulting and exposing himself to her between 1978 and 1981.
The judge told Ball that the victim's statement showed she had been 'vindicated' and that the physical and psychological harm she suffered, including impacts on her Christian faith, were significant.
Her statement was: "I carry a profound sadness that my happy, safe and innocent childhood was violated by him." The victim described her ordeal as a trauma that, although difficult, was necessary for her to progress positively.
The defence highlighted that Ball had completed community service and is seeking a move due to relationship issues and protests, citing his recent health issues.
The judge branded his actions as "evil and nasty" and stressed that he prioritized his sexual gratification over his victim's needs.
Ball was placed on the Sexual Offenders Register for 10 years and issued with a five-year restraining order banning contact with the victim.
