JAMES MCNEISH FROM THE ISLE OF ARRAN AND LARNE RECEIVES ONLY THREE YEARS PROBATION FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In a case that has sparked outrage among the victim's family and the wider community, James McNeish, a man originally from the Isle of Arran and residing in Larne, was handed a surprisingly lenient sentence after pleading guilty to serious sexual offenses involving a young girl.

In June 2016, McNeish, aged 48 and living on Walnut Road in Larne, appeared before Antrim court where he entered a last-minute guilty plea on three charges related to the sexual abuse of a child. The charges included sexual assault on a child, inciting a child to commit a sexual act, and attempting to incite a child to engage in a sexual act. The court was informed that the victim was only seven years old at the time of the abuse.

The court proceedings revealed that McNeish, who originally hails from the Isle of Arran in Scotland, committed these heinous acts between January and October 2014. During this period, he deliberately arranged situations where the young girl was left alone with him, often in his van, to carry out the assaults. It was also disclosed that McNeish had gained the trust of the victim’s family, grooming the girl over time and exploiting their trust to prey on her when they were alone.

Remarkably, McNeish was prepared to contest the charges and was willing to give evidence in court, but he ultimately changed his plea at the last moment, opting for a guilty verdict. The victim’s family expressed their deep frustration and heartbreak over the leniency of the sentence, which they believe does not reflect the severity of the crimes committed.

They shared that the impact of the abuse has profoundly affected the young girl’s life, and they now fear for her safety and well-being, especially when she is out in public. The child herself reportedly told her family on the way to court that she wanted McNeish to go to jail. However, the family has not had the heart to tell her that he is not currently in prison.

One family member expressed their concern, stating, “She should be able to go out and play without the fear of seeing him.” The court was also informed that McNeish has a history of serious sexual offenses against multiple females, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior.

In his sentencing, the judge took into account that McNeish was a carer for his wife, although the victim’s family pointed out that she was the one driving him to court each day. As part of his punishment, McNeish, who is currently unemployed, is subject to a 10-year sexual offences prevention order. This order restricts him from transporting children under 18, visiting areas near children’s play parks or schools without permission, and having contact with anyone under 18 unless explicitly approved.

Additionally, McNeish is required to register as a sex offender for a period of five years, a measure intended to monitor and restrict his interactions with minors. The case has left many questioning whether the sentence truly fits the gravity of the crimes committed, especially given the young age of the victim and McNeish’s prior convictions.