COLIN GOURLEY BALLYMENA PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN NORTHERN IRELAND

In a significant development at Antrim Crown Court, Colin Gourley, a 38-year-old man from Ballymena, County Antrim, was formally convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous sexual offenses involving minors. The court handed down a total prison term of ten years for his abuse of two young victims, alongside a lifelong designation on the sex offenders' register, marking a severe punishment for his crimes.

Gourley's criminal activities came to light after he pleaded guilty last week to twelve counts of indecent assault against an eight-year-old girl from Stewartstown, County Tyrone. This plea was part of a broader case that also involved his earlier conviction for molesting a 14-year-old boy with behavioral difficulties. The boy, whose identity remains protected, endured the trauma of two separate trials before a jury unanimously found Gourley guilty of his abuse.

During the sentencing hearing, the now 17-year-old victim expressed a mixture of relief and shock. He stated, "I'm relieved and stunned, I just don't know what to do with myself. When the jury couldn't decide the first time, my dad wanted me to leave it. But I wanted to beat the man who did this, and now I have." His father, visibly emotional, praised his son's bravery and the judge's decision, saying, "The judge who handed Gourley his two consecutive sentences of two-and-a-half years and seven-and-a-half years praised his bravery. We're overjoyed, and now both our families can move forward with our lives."

Earlier in March 2007, Gourley's disturbing history was publicly acknowledged when he pleaded guilty to the charges involving the eight-year-old girl. The case revealed a disturbing pattern, as Gourley had managed to befriend the children's parents over a span of 17 years, gaining their trust before committing these crimes.

The mother of the young girl, now aged 12 and from County Tyrone, expressed her relief at seeing Gourley sent to prison. She said, "I feel so relieved seeing him sent to prison. We're just glad it didn't come to the point where our daughter would have had to stand in court and relive what happened to her."

Similarly, the father of the 17-year-old boy recounted how his son finally disclosed the abuse after suffering from behavioral issues that worsened over time. He explained, "We noticed his behavior had become worse than usual. He was acting out at school, kicking holes in walls and doors. I was extremely worried, but he refused to open up. Then one day, some kids in the street started teasing him and calling him gay, and he ran into the house. That’s when he finally told us everything."

The father further revealed that Gourley had been a close part of their family, even living with them at one point, which made the betrayal even more devastating. After learning of his son's revelations, he became concerned about other children Gourley might have had access to, especially those of friends and neighbors.

When contacted by other parents about Gourley's involvement with their children, they were stunned. One mother, whose daughter was eight years old and often looked after by Gourley, recounted her disbelief. She said, "I didn’t want to believe it, but I had to be sure. I sat down my daughter and asked if Gourley had ever touched her or done anything inappropriate when they were alone. She told me everything — it had been going on for two years."

Gourley's trial for the offenses against the boy took place in October of the previous year, but a retrial was ordered after the jury failed to reach a verdict. Four months later, a new jury unanimously convicted Gourley on all ten charges, which included multiple counts of indecent assault and exposure. The sentencing for these convictions is scheduled to occur at Antrim Crown Court.

The father of the young victim expressed his resolve to be present during the sentencing, stating, "I will be sat in the courtroom that day just as I have been throughout both trials. My son believed he was to blame, and it has taken a long time to help him understand that he is not. It took a lot of courage for him to give evidence, and we all hope this will bring closure so we can begin to rebuild our lives. Seeing Gourley finally behind bars for a long time will help both children start to heal."