COLLIN MURPHY FROM BELFAST SENTENCED AFTER DISTURBING SEXUAL PROPOSITION TO TEENAGE GIRL IN BELFAST AND CO ANTRIM

In August 2014, a man from Belfast named Collin Murphy was handed a prison sentence after engaging in a deeply disturbing and inappropriate act involving a teenage girl. Murphy, aged 32, was convicted of making a highly inappropriate and offensive proposition to a 15-year-old girl, which was described by the court as 'distasteful and appalling.'

Judge David McFarland addressed Murphy directly during the sentencing, stating that his actions amounted to seeking the services of a prostitute, a comment that underscored the severity of the misconduct. The judge emphasized that Murphy's proposition was not only morally wrong but also legally unacceptable, especially given the age of the victim. Murphy, who resided on Verner Street in Belfast, was found guilty last month of inciting the young girl to engage in sexual activity at his former residence in County Antrim, in August 2011.

The court heard that the girl had been in the company of a group of other teenagers at the time. These teenagers had been permitted to use Murphy's home for drinking alcohol and using drugs, although there was no evidence to suggest that Murphy supplied them with these substances. As the group dispersed and the others left or drifted away, the girl remained behind, seemingly seeking a taxi to return home. It was during this vulnerable moment that Murphy made his inappropriate proposition to her.

Judge McFarland noted that a victim impact report revealed the girl had been left with a form of adjustment disorder, which has significantly affected her life. The court acknowledged the lasting psychological impact of the incident on her well-being.

While Murphy's criminal record included 49 previous convictions, these were mostly minor offenses related to alcohol and drugs, typical for someone of his background and age. Importantly, he had no prior convictions related to sexual offenses. Nonetheless, the court determined that his actions in this case warranted an immediate custodial sentence to serve as a deterrent and to uphold the seriousness of such conduct.

As part of his sentence, Murphy was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years and was prohibited from working with children in any capacity. The court's decision reflects the gravity of his misconduct and the need to protect vulnerable minors from similar incidents in the future.

During the proceedings, Murphy's defense lawyer, Justin Byrne, revealed that since the incident, Murphy had been subjected to ongoing threats from paramilitary groups. These threats had forced him to leave his home in County Antrim, adding a layer of complexity to his situation and highlighting the dangerous environment in which he now finds himself.