COLIN IRWIN FROM DERRY AND STRABANE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF BOY OVER 40 YEARS AGO
| Red Rose Database
Londonderry Derry Strabane Sexual Abuser
In a significant case that has brought long-overdue justice, Colin Irwin, a 60-year-old man with ties to Derry, Londonderry, and Strabane, was sentenced to six years in prison for a series of sexual offenses committed against a young boy more than four decades ago. The offences took place in Irwin's residences located in Derry between the years 1975 and 1978, during which he engaged in a pattern of sexual abuse that left a lasting impact on his victim.
The victim, identified in court documents only as 'X', was a mere eight years old when Irwin began his predatory behavior. The case initially involved 25 charges, which Irwin denied. However, during the trial, after the victim had provided his testimony before a jury, Irwin requested to be re-arraigned and subsequently pleaded guilty to charges including attempted buggery, indecent assault, and gross indecency. This plea was entered last month, marking a significant development in the case.
At yesterday’s sentencing hearing, the victim, who was present alongside friends and family members, expressed a sense of relief and closure. He stated, “Has gotten his just deserts,” and added, “Justice has been done and I am just relieved it is now all over for me.”
Judge Philip Babington addressed the court, highlighting the disturbing nature of Irwin’s conduct. He pointed out that there was an element of grooming involved in the offenses. Evidence presented revealed that Irwin had shown the young boy “dirty magazines” before subjecting him to sexual abuse within the bedroom of his home. Following these assaults, Irwin would tell the boy, “this is our secret,” and would give him 50 pence as a form of hush money.
The abuse continued until 1978, culminating in an incident outside a shop in the Bogside area, where Irwin attempted to sexually assault the victim again while they sat in a van. The victim, then 11 years old, intervened, telling Irwin, “Don’t be doing that, pack it in,” which ultimately led to the cessation of the abuse.
Judge Babington noted that the victim endured significant emotional trauma, which prevented him from reporting the abuse to authorities until 2012. The court recognized several aggravating factors, including the prolonged duration of nearly four years and the considerable age difference between Irwin and his young victim. The grooming element and breach of trust further compounded the severity of the case.
In his remarks, Judge Babington described how Irwin’s actions made the victim feel trapped and dirty, emphasizing that Irwin’s behavior was “gratuitously selfish.” The judge stated, “You took advantage of him over a prolonged period of time for your own sexual gratification,” and highlighted the profound suffering inflicted upon the victim, who waited 35 years before feeling able to come forward.
As part of his sentence, Irwin was ordered to serve four and a half years in custody, with an additional one and a half years on probation following his release. Furthermore, he was placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and prohibited from any unapproved contact with children under 16 years of age, reflecting the court’s commitment to public safety and preventing further harm.
The victim, identified in court documents only as 'X', was a mere eight years old when Irwin began his predatory behavior. The case initially involved 25 charges, which Irwin denied. However, during the trial, after the victim had provided his testimony before a jury, Irwin requested to be re-arraigned and subsequently pleaded guilty to charges including attempted buggery, indecent assault, and gross indecency. This plea was entered last month, marking a significant development in the case.
At yesterday’s sentencing hearing, the victim, who was present alongside friends and family members, expressed a sense of relief and closure. He stated, “Has gotten his just deserts,” and added, “Justice has been done and I am just relieved it is now all over for me.”
Judge Philip Babington addressed the court, highlighting the disturbing nature of Irwin’s conduct. He pointed out that there was an element of grooming involved in the offenses. Evidence presented revealed that Irwin had shown the young boy “dirty magazines” before subjecting him to sexual abuse within the bedroom of his home. Following these assaults, Irwin would tell the boy, “this is our secret,” and would give him 50 pence as a form of hush money.
The abuse continued until 1978, culminating in an incident outside a shop in the Bogside area, where Irwin attempted to sexually assault the victim again while they sat in a van. The victim, then 11 years old, intervened, telling Irwin, “Don’t be doing that, pack it in,” which ultimately led to the cessation of the abuse.
Judge Babington noted that the victim endured significant emotional trauma, which prevented him from reporting the abuse to authorities until 2012. The court recognized several aggravating factors, including the prolonged duration of nearly four years and the considerable age difference between Irwin and his young victim. The grooming element and breach of trust further compounded the severity of the case.
In his remarks, Judge Babington described how Irwin’s actions made the victim feel trapped and dirty, emphasizing that Irwin’s behavior was “gratuitously selfish.” The judge stated, “You took advantage of him over a prolonged period of time for your own sexual gratification,” and highlighted the profound suffering inflicted upon the victim, who waited 35 years before feeling able to come forward.
As part of his sentence, Irwin was ordered to serve four and a half years in custody, with an additional one and a half years on probation following his release. Furthermore, he was placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and prohibited from any unapproved contact with children under 16 years of age, reflecting the court’s commitment to public safety and preventing further harm.