CHRISTOPHER HARLEY JAILED IN OMAGH FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING A CHILD IN NORTHERN IRELAND

In a recent court case that has shocked the community of Omagh, a local man named Christopher Harley has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison after admitting to multiple serious sexual offences involving a minor. The case, which was heard at Londonderry Crown Court sitting in Coleraine, revealed disturbing details about the abuse that took place over a two-year period.

Harley, aged 34 and residing on Glenhull Walk in Omagh, pleaded guilty to five counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, with the offences spanning from May 2013 to May 2015. Additionally, he admitted to a charge of sexual activity by an adult with a child during the same timeframe. The court was informed that the victim, who was under the care of the Western Trust at the time, was only 14 years old when the abuse began.

The court proceedings detailed that the initial incident occurred when the girl stayed overnight at Harley’s mother’s house. It was during this visit that the first sexual encounter took place. The following morning, Harley’s mother confronted him about the situation, expressing her disapproval and informing him that the girl was too young for such activities. She then instructed the girl to leave the house.

Further testimonies revealed that the girl, who was residing in a children’s home at the time, repeatedly absconded from the facility. During this period, she reportedly engaged in alcohol consumption and drug use alongside Harley. The court heard that Harley initially denied any sexual contact with the girl before she turned 16, claiming that she was an actress and asserting that she had initiated contact with him, not the other way around.

The victim was described as having “complex needs,” and she later confided in social services, stating that her experiences had “ruined me as a person.” Harley, in his defense, attributed his actions to alcohol consumption, claiming that he would not have behaved in such a manner had he been sober. He expressed feelings of embarrassment and shame over his conduct.

The judge overseeing the case emphasized the presence of several aggravating factors, including the significant age gap between Harley and the victim, the grooming involved, and the victim’s vulnerability. These considerations contributed to the severity of the sentence handed down.

As part of his punishment, Harley was ordered to serve a four-and-a-half-year prison term. He was also mandated to sign the sex offender’s register indefinitely and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO), which will remain in effect for an unspecified period. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Omagh, highlighting the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the ongoing efforts of authorities to combat such heinous crimes.