DAVID MAGEE SENTENCED IN BELFAST FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG WOMAN FROM WEST BELFAST
In a case that has resonated deeply within the Belfast community, David Magee from West Belfast was sentenced to 15 months in prison for the sexual assault of a young woman who was just 15 years old at the time of the abuse.The incident, which took place in Magee's residence on Gransha Drive, occurred over two decades ago, between November 1989 and April 1991, and involved Magee indecently touching the victim’s breasts on two separate occasions.
During the proceedings at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday, the court heard that Magee, now aged 59, had been convicted of two counts of indecent assault.
The judge, Geoffrey Miller QC, emphasized the profound and lasting impact that Magee’s actions had on the victim, who was present in the courtroom during the sentencing.
The judge described the assault as having a “marked impact” on her, highlighting the enduring trauma caused by the abuse.
The court was informed that Magee, who was 30 years old at the time of the offenses, maintained a “robust denial” of the allegations despite the jury’s verdict.
Magee’s legal team requested the judge to consider several mitigating factors, including his clean criminal record, the fact that he was acquitted of eight other charges, and the absence of any new allegations before or after the incident.
Nevertheless, Judge Miller stated that Magee’s actions warranted a custodial sentence, reflecting society’s strong condemnation of such acts.
As Magee was led away in handcuffs following the sentencing, he nodded to his family members who sat in the public gallery.
The victim, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed a sense of relief that the legal process had concluded.
She shared her ongoing struggles, revealing that she was recently diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by a court-appointed counsellor.
She explained that she still experiences flashbacks and needs further counselling to come to terms with her past.
She recounted that the trauma had such a severe impact on her health that she suffered a heart attack at the age of 39, which she attributes directly to the stress caused by her abuse.
After confiding in her general practitioner and her parents, she made a formal complaint to the police, which ultimately led to Magee’s conviction and sentencing.
The woman also urged other victims of abuse to come forward, emphasizing that it is never too late to seek justice.
She is now happily married and has two children, demonstrating resilience and hope for the future.
Judge Miller, in his remarks, acknowledged the significant emotional toll inflicted on the victim and reiterated that Magee’s denial and perception of himself as a victim of malicious lies do not diminish the seriousness of his crimes.
The judge reaffirmed that the severity of the offences justified a custodial sentence, and Magee will also be required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and public safety.
