A 26-year-old man from Bushmills, Curtis Archibald, has been sentenced at Antrim Crown Court to three years for child abuse offences, comprising 18 months in custody and 18 months on licence. He was also handed a seven-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order after being convicted of 11 counts of indecent child abuse, including sexual communication with a child; causing or inciting a child aged 13 to 16 to engage in sexual activity; possessing an indecent photograph of a child; and threatening to disclose private sexual images.

Police received a report on 5 February 2024 from a concerned adult that a child — Archibald's younger sister — was due to meet him. When spoken to, the child disclosed she had been coerced into sending images of herself, which he was threatening to share. Archibald was arrested and later charged following examination of his digital devices.

Detective Chief Inspector Claire Gilbert said: "This man groomed this girl from a young age and preyed on her vulnerabilities. He built trust with her so he could abuse her and then threaten her for his own perverted sexual gain.

"I want to thank the immense bravery of the victim in this case for assisting us in our investigation and bringing her abuser before the courts today. Child predators like Archibald have no place in our communities and we will do everything in our power to ensure they are brought to justice. "I also want to take the time to thank the concerned adult who acted on their suspicions and reported to us so that safeguarding action could be taken to protect the victim from any further harm. We rely on our local communities to be vigilant and be the voice for a child who doesn't yet have the courage to speak up for themselves.

"Let this sentencing serve as another warning to those perpetrating child sexual abuse, we are working every day to break down reporting barriers and encourage victims to come forward. You will be caught, your lies uncovered and you will face the full force of the law."

Now speaking out anonymously to encourage other victims to come forward, Lisa (not her real name), said: "I didn't have a childhood, he took that from me. He took any innocence I had and robbed me off it. I have to live with the trauma of his abuse for the rest of my life. Speaking out was the hardest thing I've ever done but I don't regret it. I am glad that today the truth won and he will be known now for what he is, a child abuser and predator.

"I would encourage anyone out there who has gone through something similar as me to speak out. I wasn't believed by my own family but the police believed me and treated with sensitivity and respect. You will be too. Don't be scared, you are not alone."

Parents, guardians and the wider community are urged to report any concerning online or in-person behaviour towards a child. Anyone who has experienced recent or non-recent child abuse should contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.