BRADLEY MCGARRELL SENTENCED IN NEWTOWNABBEY FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF VULNERABLE GIRL
| Red Rose Database
Newtownabbey Child Sexual Abuser
In July 2023, a disturbing case emerged involving Bradley McGarrell, a young man from Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, who was convicted of sexually abusing a girl with learning difficulties. The incident has shocked the local community and brought to light troubling details about the protection and exploitation of vulnerable minors in the area.
Bradley Paul William McGarrell, aged 20 and residing on Doonbeg Drive in Newtownabbey, was found guilty of multiple serious charges related to grooming and sexual activity with a minor. The Belfast Crown Court, presided over by Judge Patricia Smyth, sentenced him to eight months in prison. Additionally, the judge ordered McGarrell to serve a further 16 months on supervised licence, emphasizing the importance of monitoring his future conduct and safeguarding the public, especially women and girls.
The charges against McGarrell included meeting a child following sexual grooming, engaging in sexual communication with a minor, and causing a child to watch sexual activity. He also admitted to four counts of sexual activity with a child, which underscored the severity of his actions. Prosecutor Kate McKay detailed the case, revealing that McGarrell initially made contact with the victim through social media platforms Snapchat and Instagram, falsely claiming to be 14 years old. The victim, who has been diagnosed with ADHD, Tourette’s Syndrome, and learning difficulties, was vulnerable and susceptible to manipulation.
The incident came to light on August 25, 2021, when the victim left her home around 3:30 pm and traveled to an area locally known as ‘The Glenn’ in Newtownabbey. It was there that sexual activity took place. The victim later confided in her mother, revealing that she had engaged in sexual activity with a boy named ‘Bradley,’ whom she believed to be around 14 years old. Her mother, concerned about the discrepancy in age, conducted her own social media research and identified McGarrell as the individual involved. The 13-year-old victim confirmed that the person she met was indeed McGarrell.
Following this discovery, her parents contacted the police, expressing concern that ‘Bradley’ was older than he claimed. It was later confirmed that McGarrell was actually 18 years old at the time of the incident. He was arrested the day after the victim’s disclosure and initially denied any knowledge of or contact with her. He even provided a buccal (DNA) swab to police for forensic analysis. However, when police presented evidence from phone records and forensic data, McGarrell eventually admitted to having met the victim and engaging in sexual activity with her.
During the court proceedings, McKay highlighted the vulnerability of the young girl, emphasizing the significant emotional and psychological impact the offences had on her. Judge Smyth, in her sentencing remarks, acknowledged the seriousness of the crimes and the harm caused. She sentenced McGarrell to two years in prison, with the additional requirement that he be placed on the sex offenders register for ten years. Furthermore, he was disqualified from working with children, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and the protection of minors in the community.
The case has raised ongoing concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable young people and the need for increased vigilance and protective measures within the Newtownabbey area and beyond.
Bradley Paul William McGarrell, aged 20 and residing on Doonbeg Drive in Newtownabbey, was found guilty of multiple serious charges related to grooming and sexual activity with a minor. The Belfast Crown Court, presided over by Judge Patricia Smyth, sentenced him to eight months in prison. Additionally, the judge ordered McGarrell to serve a further 16 months on supervised licence, emphasizing the importance of monitoring his future conduct and safeguarding the public, especially women and girls.
The charges against McGarrell included meeting a child following sexual grooming, engaging in sexual communication with a minor, and causing a child to watch sexual activity. He also admitted to four counts of sexual activity with a child, which underscored the severity of his actions. Prosecutor Kate McKay detailed the case, revealing that McGarrell initially made contact with the victim through social media platforms Snapchat and Instagram, falsely claiming to be 14 years old. The victim, who has been diagnosed with ADHD, Tourette’s Syndrome, and learning difficulties, was vulnerable and susceptible to manipulation.
The incident came to light on August 25, 2021, when the victim left her home around 3:30 pm and traveled to an area locally known as ‘The Glenn’ in Newtownabbey. It was there that sexual activity took place. The victim later confided in her mother, revealing that she had engaged in sexual activity with a boy named ‘Bradley,’ whom she believed to be around 14 years old. Her mother, concerned about the discrepancy in age, conducted her own social media research and identified McGarrell as the individual involved. The 13-year-old victim confirmed that the person she met was indeed McGarrell.
Following this discovery, her parents contacted the police, expressing concern that ‘Bradley’ was older than he claimed. It was later confirmed that McGarrell was actually 18 years old at the time of the incident. He was arrested the day after the victim’s disclosure and initially denied any knowledge of or contact with her. He even provided a buccal (DNA) swab to police for forensic analysis. However, when police presented evidence from phone records and forensic data, McGarrell eventually admitted to having met the victim and engaging in sexual activity with her.
During the court proceedings, McKay highlighted the vulnerability of the young girl, emphasizing the significant emotional and psychological impact the offences had on her. Judge Smyth, in her sentencing remarks, acknowledged the seriousness of the crimes and the harm caused. She sentenced McGarrell to two years in prison, with the additional requirement that he be placed on the sex offenders register for ten years. Furthermore, he was disqualified from working with children, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and the protection of minors in the community.
The case has raised ongoing concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable young people and the need for increased vigilance and protective measures within the Newtownabbey area and beyond.