ALASTAIR CARSWELL FROM BANGOR SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN NORTHERN IRELAND

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Bangor and the wider Northern Ireland region, Alastair Carswell, a 48-year-old man, was convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of six children from the North Down area. The court proceedings, held at Downpatrick Crown Court in Belfast, culminated in a severe sentence that reflects the gravity of his offenses.

Carswell, whose address was recorded as HMP Maghaberry at the time of sentencing, was handed a total prison term of 14 years. The sentence was structured to include an initial seven years of incarceration, followed by the remainder of the term served under supervised license conditions. This decision underscores the court’s emphasis on both punishment and the need for ongoing monitoring of the offender’s conduct post-release.

The charges against Carswell encompassed 25 counts, primarily involving multiple instances of indecent assault. The court was informed that some of these acts were premeditated, indicating a calculated approach to his criminal behavior. The judge highlighted the profound and lasting impact on the victims, noting that three of them had endured long-term psychological and emotional scars resulting from sustained periods of abuse inflicted by Carswell.

During the sentencing, the judge emphasized the importance of safeguarding children from predators like Carswell. He remarked that the damage caused by such actions can severely hinder a victim’s personal development and self-esteem, often casting a shadow over their lives for many years to come. The court heard that three of the victims were targeted on a single occasion, while the remaining three—comprising two boys and one girl—were subjected to prolonged abuse over an extended period.

The abuse took place over a span of nearly two decades, from 1995 to 2012, with victims ranging in age from just seven to sixteen years old. Carswell was arrested in June 2013 in connection with these allegations. Throughout the proceedings, he maintained his innocence, dismissing the accusations as malicious. He also claimed that a road traffic accident in 2007 had resulted in penile dysfunction, which he suggested might have affected his behavior.

Defense counsel acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but argued that none involved penetrative acts of a more severe nature. They also stated that Carswell intended to comply with probation conditions upon his release, aiming to rebuild some semblance of his life after serving his sentence.

Throughout the case, the court underscored the necessity of protecting vulnerable children from individuals like Carswell, who was described as controlling and willing to exert dominance over others. The judge’s remarks reinforced the community’s need for vigilance and the importance of justice in addressing such grave offenses.