Folk musician facing child sex abuse charges in Belfast

Folklorist and musician Francis McPeake III, aged 71, faced serious legal allegations in court related to alleged sexual offences involving an underage girl. The charges include 12 counts of sexual abuse committed against a teenage girl aged between 13 and 16 years old. The incidents are alleged to have taken place from January 30, 2009, to March 31, 2010. McPeake was accused of engaging in sexual touching of the girl when she was under 16, and was also charged with causing or inciting the girl to engage in sexual activities, knowing she was underage. The offences reportedly occurred in the County Court Division of Belfast and in the Republic of Ireland, despite McPeake being a UK national. After the charges became public last month, McPeake fled his residence in Eliza Street Close, South Belfast, to avoid media attention, and is expected to stand trial in February. During the initial court appearance, a temporary ban was placed on naming him, which was later lifted, although a news blackout was maintained on his current address. The case attracted public attention, with police needing to disperse approximately 60 people assembled outside his house following media reports. The article reports that McPeake denies all charges against him.