DERRY MAN FRANKIE McFADDEN SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND ABUSE IN SHANTALLOW
| Red Rose Database
Derry Rapist
In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Derry, Frankie McFadden, a 54-year-old resident of Moyola Drive in the Shantallow area, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes committed against his young cousin. The crimes, which spanned over a decade from 1975 to 1985, involved repeated sexual abuse and physical violence, beginning when the victim was only six years old.
McFadden pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including the sexual assault and physical abuse of the girl, with the court hearing that he raped her several times each week during the four years of the abuse. He also admitted to other sexual offenses and threats of violence, including threatening to kill her when she confided in her family about the abuse. The court was informed that McFadden's actions left lasting scars on the victim, Martina Johnston, who has chosen to waive her right to anonymity to shed light on her suffering and to help prevent such crimes from happening to others.
Ms Johnston, speaking openly about her ordeal, expressed her relief that McFadden has been removed from society. She told the BBC, “He ripped my life apart. The sentence will never bring back my life but I’m just glad he is off the streets. I can start my life properly now with my family.” She further explained that she only disclosed the abuse to her parents in her twenties, after her father had passed away four years earlier, revealing the long-lasting impact of her trauma. “I hadn’t got the strength back then but now I do. All you have to do now is lift the phone,” she said, emphasizing the importance of speaking out.
During the court proceedings at Londonderry Crown Court, it was revealed that McFadden admitted to raping Ms Johnston multiple times a week, along with other sexual assaults and threats. The judge noted that McFadden’s crimes were committed over a ten-year period, starting when the victim was just six years old. Despite the familial relationship, the court allowed McFadden to be named publicly because Ms Johnston waived her right to anonymity.
In addition to his prison sentence, McFadden will be subject to a two-year probation period following his release. He has also been placed on the sex offenders register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The case has highlighted the devastating effects of childhood abuse and the importance of justice for victims, especially those who come forward to break the silence surrounding such crimes.
McFadden pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including the sexual assault and physical abuse of the girl, with the court hearing that he raped her several times each week during the four years of the abuse. He also admitted to other sexual offenses and threats of violence, including threatening to kill her when she confided in her family about the abuse. The court was informed that McFadden's actions left lasting scars on the victim, Martina Johnston, who has chosen to waive her right to anonymity to shed light on her suffering and to help prevent such crimes from happening to others.
Ms Johnston, speaking openly about her ordeal, expressed her relief that McFadden has been removed from society. She told the BBC, “He ripped my life apart. The sentence will never bring back my life but I’m just glad he is off the streets. I can start my life properly now with my family.” She further explained that she only disclosed the abuse to her parents in her twenties, after her father had passed away four years earlier, revealing the long-lasting impact of her trauma. “I hadn’t got the strength back then but now I do. All you have to do now is lift the phone,” she said, emphasizing the importance of speaking out.
During the court proceedings at Londonderry Crown Court, it was revealed that McFadden admitted to raping Ms Johnston multiple times a week, along with other sexual assaults and threats. The judge noted that McFadden’s crimes were committed over a ten-year period, starting when the victim was just six years old. Despite the familial relationship, the court allowed McFadden to be named publicly because Ms Johnston waived her right to anonymity.
In addition to his prison sentence, McFadden will be subject to a two-year probation period following his release. He has also been placed on the sex offenders register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The case has highlighted the devastating effects of childhood abuse and the importance of justice for victims, especially those who come forward to break the silence surrounding such crimes.