DANIEL FULLERTON'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN BELFAST LEAVES YOUNG GIRL TRAUMATIZED
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Belfast, a man named Daniel Fullerton was convicted of breaking into a family home and sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl.The incident, which occurred in the early hours of June 3, 2009, has left a lasting scar on the young victim and has prompted a severe legal response.
According to court reports, Fullerton, aged 33 and described as having no fixed address, gained entry into the residence by climbing through an open window in North Belfast.
Once inside, he proceeded to climb into the girl’s bed, an act that could have resulted in even more tragic consequences.
Fortunately, the girl became aware of his presence and went to alert her sleeping parents, causing Fullerton to flee the scene before any further harm could be inflicted.
Investigations at the crime scene revealed critical evidence linking Fullerton to the assault.
Fingerprints found on the window matched his, and DNA samples taken from the young girl confirmed his involvement.
These pieces of evidence played a significant role in the subsequent legal proceedings.
Fullerton eventually admitted guilt to three counts of sexual assault and one count of burglary, leading to his sentencing at Belfast Crown Court.
On the day of sentencing, Judge Tom Burgess emphasized the severity of the crime, describing it as “difficult to imagine a more terrifying experience for anyone, let alone a young girl.” The judge also noted that Fullerton’s actions had profoundly impacted his young victim, although he acknowledged that she appeared to be a “well-balanced, resilient young lady.” Further complicating the case was evidence presented during an earlier court hearing indicating that Fullerton’s personality had undergone significant changes following a traumatic brain injury sustained in 1996.
This factor was considered in the judge’s assessment of the risk Fullerton posed to the public.
Judge Burgess sentenced Fullerton to seven years in prison.
He also informed him that he could apply to the Parole Commissioners for release after serving half of his sentence, but only if he was deemed safe to re-enter society.
The judge warned that such release would depend on a thorough assessment of his mental state and risk factors.
In addition to his prison term, Fullerton was handed a ten-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
This order prohibits him from contacting his victim or her family, having unsupervised contact with children, being present on licensed premises, associating with other sex offenders, or loitering near “child-centred facilities.” Furthermore, he was ordered to sign the police sex offenders register for the remainder of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions aimed at protecting the community from potential harm.
