WILLIAM MCCONNELL FROM SION MILLS ADMITS TO SEXUAL ABUSE IN NEWRY COURT

In a significant development at Newry Crown Court, William McConnell, a 62-year-old man from Church Square in Sion Mills, has confessed to the sexual abuse of two young girls. The proceedings took an unexpected turn when McConnell, who was initially scheduled to face a full trial, agreed to enter guilty pleas on some of the charges against him.

Originally, McConnell faced a total of 21 charges, including six counts of indecent assault—three against each of the two victims—and 15 charges related to the possession of indecent photographs. These photographs were alleged to have been taken or possessed between the dates of September 1, 2000, and December 31, 2006, with an additional charge concerning the possession of an indecent image dated February 6, 2015.

During the court proceedings, McConnell, who was represented by defense counsel Ian Turkington, decided to plead guilty to two counts of indecent assault involving one of the victims, as well as two counts of possessing indecent images of both girls. The victims, who were present in the courtroom, were visibly emotional, crying quietly in the public gallery just a few feet away from the proceedings.

Prosecutor Fiona O’Kane requested that the remaining charges be retained on the court’s books, emphasizing that the guilty pleas on the counts presented were “sample counts in relation to both injured parties,” indicating that these pleas represent only a portion of the allegations against McConnell.

Defense counsel Turkington informed the court that there was an “agreed basis of plea,” which would be forwarded to the judge and to probation services for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. This report will assist in determining the appropriate sentencing for McConnell.

Judge Gordon Kerr QC, after reviewing the case, granted McConnell bail and scheduled the plea and sentencing hearing for June 27. However, the judge issued a stern warning, stating that the fact McConnell was being released on bail “is not any indication as to what may happen when I sentence you,” underscoring the seriousness of the charges and the potential consequences that await him.

As the case moves forward, the community in Sion Mills and beyond will be watching closely, awaiting the final judgment in this troubling case involving allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation of young girls by William McConnell.