BOYD SAUNDERSON FROM BELFAST AND LARNE SENTENCED FOR REPEATED CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In a recent development at Antrim Crown Court, Boyd Saunderson, a 59-year-old man with connections to both Belfast and Larne, has been sentenced to an additional eight years in prison for a series of serious sexual offenses. Saunderson, who had previously served a 12-year term for abusing young girls, was found guilty of new charges that involved the exploitation of a young female relative.

Judge Corinne Philpott QC presided over the case and delivered a stern judgment, emphasizing the defendant's lack of remorse and failure to address the underlying causes of his criminal behavior. The judge stated that Saunderson had not demonstrated any desire or effort to confront the reasons behind his offending, which she described as a significant concern in assessing his rehabilitation prospects.

Furthermore, Judge Philpott imposed a lifelong Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) on Saunderson. This order explicitly prohibits him from making contact with any of his victims, entering any premises designated as child-centered facilities, or engaging in employment involving children. It also restricts him from residing anywhere without prior approval and from having any contact with individuals under the age of 18.

At the conclusion of his trial last month, Saunderson, who hails from Larne but currently resides on University Street in Belfast, was convicted on multiple counts. These included one count of rape and four counts of indecent assault, all committed against a young female relative. The offenses took place over a period spanning from January 1994 to December 1998, highlighting a prolonged pattern of abuse that has now resulted in his re-imprisonment and ongoing restrictions aimed at protecting potential future victims.