18/05/2022
Man Jailed For Rape At Laganside Crown Court
A 33-year-old man has been sentenced to seven years for rape at Laganside Crown Court.
Thomas Markey received a seven year custodial sentence, to serve half in prison and half on license. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for ten years.
Welcoming the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Rebecca Hedley said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim. Mr Markey acted callously in his actions, with total disregard to consent of the victim, leaving her shaken and with undoubtedly long-lasting trauma.
"Sexual abuse and assault of any kind is taken incredibly seriously by the Police Service of Northern Ireland. We worked with the victim who bravely came forward to us and brought her attacker before the courts today to answer for his crimes.
"She would like her bravery in speaking out about Mr Markey to encourage other potential victims of sexual crimes to come forward and break the silence about their abusers.
"We are actively seeking out those who sexually exploit, abuse or attack anyone in our communities so that we can make them amenable for their crimes.
"Please be assured that we have specially trained officers who will treat victims with sensitivity and respect – at every stage of the process.
"I would continue to encourage anyone who has experienced any form of sexual abuse or assault to contact police on 101, or in an emergency call 999."
Thomas Markey received a seven year custodial sentence, to serve half in prison and half on license. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for ten years.
Welcoming the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Rebecca Hedley said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim. Mr Markey acted callously in his actions, with total disregard to consent of the victim, leaving her shaken and with undoubtedly long-lasting trauma.
"Sexual abuse and assault of any kind is taken incredibly seriously by the Police Service of Northern Ireland. We worked with the victim who bravely came forward to us and brought her attacker before the courts today to answer for his crimes.
"She would like her bravery in speaking out about Mr Markey to encourage other potential victims of sexual crimes to come forward and break the silence about their abusers.
"We are actively seeking out those who sexually exploit, abuse or attack anyone in our communities so that we can make them amenable for their crimes.
"Please be assured that we have specially trained officers who will treat victims with sensitivity and respect – at every stage of the process.
"I would continue to encourage anyone who has experienced any form of sexual abuse or assault to contact police on 101, or in an emergency call 999."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 March 2024
Alliance Calls For Action To Protect Young People Online
The Alliance Party has called for action to help young people faced with blackmail or similar situations online.
Alliance Calls For Action To Protect Young People Online
The Alliance Party has called for action to help young people faced with blackmail or similar situations online.
15 March 2024
Gresham Street Building Brought Back Into Use After 20 Years
A vacant property on Gresham Street in Belfast's Smithfield area has been brought back into use after 20 years as independent barbershop, High Society Cut Club opens for business.
Gresham Street Building Brought Back Into Use After 20 Years
A vacant property on Gresham Street in Belfast's Smithfield area has been brought back into use after 20 years as independent barbershop, High Society Cut Club opens for business.
22 March 2024
New Support Programme For NI's 'Global Businesses Of The Future'
A new programme to support Northern Ireland's early-stage, technology-based, start-up businesses and entrepreneurs to become "global businesses of the future" has been announced Economy Minister Conor Murphy.
New Support Programme For NI's 'Global Businesses Of The Future'
A new programme to support Northern Ireland's early-stage, technology-based, start-up businesses and entrepreneurs to become "global businesses of the future" has been announced Economy Minister Conor Murphy.
11 March 2024
Man To Serve 20 Years In Jail For 2020 Murder Of Inayat Shah
A man has been sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in jail for the murder of Inayat Shah on 21 March, 2020. Mr Shah (67), who was the owner of a guesthouse in Ballymena, was stabbed multiple times in a "horrific and savage" attack near his property on 21 March 2020.
Man To Serve 20 Years In Jail For 2020 Murder Of Inayat Shah
A man has been sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in jail for the murder of Inayat Shah on 21 March, 2020. Mr Shah (67), who was the owner of a guesthouse in Ballymena, was stabbed multiple times in a "horrific and savage" attack near his property on 21 March 2020.
24 January 2024
Belfast City Airport Donates Over £17,000 To AWARE NI
Belfast City Airport has supported AWARE NI with donations totalling £17,774 over a two-year official Charity Partnership.
Belfast City Airport Donates Over £17,000 To AWARE NI
Belfast City Airport has supported AWARE NI with donations totalling £17,774 over a two-year official Charity Partnership.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.