WILLIAM PATTERSON: HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IN CO DERRY REVEALED AT DERRY CROWN COURT

In a chilling case that has shocked the community of Co Derry, William Patterson, a 69-year-old man from Tobermore, was sentenced to a total of 22 years in prison after being found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offences committed against 19 young children. The crimes, which spanned over a decade, took place at his wife’s childminding business and his family home, leaving a trail of trauma and heartbreak in their wake.

William Patterson’s address was listed as Magherafelt Road in Tobermore, Co Derry. His conviction followed two separate trials at Derry Crown Court, where he faced a total of 84 charges. The offences involved both boys and girls aged between three and 12 years old, with the abuse occurring from June 2005 until August 2018. The court heard that the children were under Patterson’s care while his wife operated her childminding service, which provided the setting for these disturbing acts.

Judge Philip Babington detailed the nature of the offences, revealing that they took place at various locations within Patterson’s property. Among the most disturbing allegations were over 20 charges related to exposure, where Patterson would sunbathe naked in front of the children. On some occasions, children attempted to shield him with towels, but Patterson would remove them, exposing himself deliberately. The court described how Patterson would sometimes be in a workshop on his property, where he would tie up children, remove their clothing, and engage in 'tickling' that was clearly sexual in nature.

Further allegations included Patterson touching the children, encouraging them to touch him, and engaging in sexual activities in their presence. The court also heard about incidents of sexual assault, incitement to engage in sexual acts, and acts of sexual activity carried out openly in front of the children. Judge Babington emphasized that all victims were very young at the time of the abuse, and expressed a hope that with the passage of time, their memories of these traumatic events might fade, though he acknowledged the lasting impact of such experiences.

During the proceedings, Patterson maintained his innocence, claiming to be a born-again Christian and asserting that “sex was not an important aspect within his life.” However, the court found his denial unconvincing, especially given the evidence of grooming and manipulation tactics used to gain the trust of his victims. The court described Patterson as a “prolific serial predator” and noted that he had shown no remorse for his actions.

The judge highlighted the bravery of the victims in coming forward, which was instrumental in stopping Patterson from continuing his depraved conduct. Despite this, Patterson’s attitude remained unrepentant, and he was deemed dangerous by the court. As a result, he was sentenced to 22 years in prison, with an extended custodial order that will see him released only with the approval of parole authorities after serving half of his sentence. Additionally, Patterson is required to register as a sex offender indefinitely and will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order once his custodial sentence concludes.

In a related case from November 2021, Patterson was convicted of 79 charges involving the sexual abuse of 19 children, some as young as three, at his home in Tobermore. The abuse was carried out over a 13-year period starting in September 2005. The court heard that Patterson’s wife’s childminding business was the setting for much of the abuse, which was uncovered after the mother of two victims overheard her children talking about Patterson’s private parts after collecting them from his home in August 2018.

Following police investigations, Patterson was interviewed multiple times but largely denied involvement, claiming his wife knew nothing of his actions. Evidence presented included forensic analysis linking semen found in his shed to Patterson, with a one-in-a-billion chance that it was not his. The abuse took place in various locations around his property, including his garden, garden swings, a hot tub, and a shed, where he even exposed himself through a hole he cut in a piece of wood.

During the trials, Patterson did not testify, and his legal team chose not to cross-examine his victims, although some parents were questioned. The court was told that Patterson would sometimes tie up children, get them to tie him to a tree, and throw sponges and water at him. He also made children walk naked to his shed and sunbathed naked in his garden in front of them, sometimes covering himself with towels which he would then throw aside to expose his erect penis.

Judge Babington, who presided over both trials, ordered Patterson to remain in custody until sentencing scheduled for January. Following the verdicts, he commended the jurors for their professionalism in handling such distressing cases and granted them a five-year exemption from jury service. The court also arranged for victim impact statements and reports to be prepared ahead of sentencing.

These cases underscore the profound impact of child sexual abuse and the importance of justice. The community of Co Derry is left to grapple with the aftermath of these revelations, and the court’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and protection of vulnerable children from predators like William Patterson.