DANIEL HILL BALLYCASTLE PAEDOPHILE POSTMAN SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS IN PRISON

In a case that has shocked the community of Ballycastle, Daniel Hill, a 68-year-old former postman, was sentenced to three years in prison for the sexual abuse of three young schoolgirls. The sentencing took place at Antrim Crown Court on a Thursday, where Judge Brian Sherard emphasized the gravity of Hill’s actions and the ongoing danger he poses to children.

Judge Sherard made it clear that, despite Hill’s claims of innocence and his lack of remorse, the court views him as a significant threat to prepubescent children. The judge pointed out that Hill’s absence of a strong family network could potentially increase the risk he presents, highlighting the seriousness of his offenses.

The case stemmed from a lengthy trial that lasted a month, during which Hill was convicted of seven counts of indecent assault. The incidents occurred over a span of several years, with the earliest dating back to November 9, 1995, and the latest to June 13, 2001. Hill, who resided on Clare Road in Ballycastle, was found guilty of abusing three young girls, all of whom had come to his house to play with his daughter. It was at this residence that the abuse took place, beginning when the victims were approximately five years old and continuing until they were around ten, spanning their early primary school years from P1 to P6.

The abuse involved Hill groping the girls’ breasts, bottoms, and private parts. During the trial, the prosecution presented detailed testimonies from each victim, illustrating the extent of Hill’s misconduct. The first victim recounted how Hill touched her breasts under her clothing approximately twenty times. She also testified that Hill touched her between her legs over her clothing and, on one occasion during a sleepover, placed his hand inside her pajamas around her genital area, moving it for an extended period.

Another victim described an incident where Hill put his hands down the back of her pajamas while they watched a scary movie, feeling her backside. This type of inappropriate contact was reported to have occurred on multiple occasions. The third girl also testified that Hill had groped her chest on several occasions, further illustrating a pattern of predatory behavior.

Evidence was also presented that in 2001, a note was passed among the victims, which read, “I hate Danny Hill; I hate him too; I hate the way he puts his hand down your pants.” The note was intercepted by the school’s headmaster, Eamon Magee, at St. Patrick’s & St. Brigid’s Primary School. Despite arranging a meeting with the parents of the victims, the note was never shown to them, nor was its content disclosed. It was revealed during the trial that Hill’s wife was also a teacher at the school, and one victim only realized after the trial that her father had not seen the note, believing he had been informed about it at the time.

Prosecutor Tessa Kitson highlighted numerous aggravating factors during the hearing, including Hill’s abuse of multiple victims who were particularly vulnerable due to their young age. She argued that Hill’s position as the local postman and the husband of a teacher at the school constituted a breach of trust, making his actions even more reprehensible. The prosecution also suggested that the abuse was not merely opportunistic but involved some degree of planning or premeditation, given the extended period over which it occurred.

In terms of mitigation, Hill’s legal team pointed out that he showed no remorse for his actions. It was also revealed that Hill had already lodged an appeal against both his conviction and sentence prior to sentencing, indicating his ongoing denial of guilt.

While considering Hill’s health issues, Judge Sherard acknowledged that the prison system could accommodate his medical needs. He described indecent assault as “an abhorrent behavior” and emphasized that the maximum sentence of ten years reflects society’s strong stance against such offenses. The judge also ordered Hill to sign the police sex offenders register for life and imposed a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, reinforcing the seriousness of the punishment.

In a related development, in October 2018, Hill’s sentencing was delayed due to his health. The court was informed that Hill, then a pensioner, was scheduled for a prostate biopsy later that month. Despite the guilty verdicts, Hill maintained his innocence, and the case had experienced multiple delays since the initial allegations surfaced in 2012. During the trial, the prosecution reiterated the victims’ testimonies, emphasizing the repeated nature of the abuse and Hill’s breach of trust as a community figure. The judge noted that the outcome of Hill’s medical treatment could influence the final sentencing, but he also indicated that it might not make any difference. Hill was subsequently released on bail, with a new hearing scheduled for November 8 at Antrim courthouse.