JAMES SLOAN FROM TEMPLEPARTICK SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ABUSE IN COUNTY ANTRIM
| Red Rose Database
Templepatrick Rapist
In a case that has shocked the community of Templepatrick and the wider County Antrim area, James Sloan, aged 39, was sentenced to a seven-year prison term for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of his wife’s half-sisters. The court proceedings, held at Belfast Crown Court, revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned over a decade, beginning when the victims were just children.
James Sloan, who resides in Oakview, Templepatrick, faced a total of 35 charges, including multiple counts of rape and indecent assault. Initially, Sloan entered a plea of not guilty to the allegations, which detailed abuse occurring between June 1991 and July 2001. However, on the morning of his trial, he changed his plea to guilty, a decision that brought some relief to the victims but did little to mitigate the outrage expressed by the court and the public.
As Sloan was led away from the dock following his sentencing, chaos erupted in the courtroom. Court staff, police officers, and a solicitor had to intervene to separate Sloan’s two victims from his wife, who stood steadfastly by her husband despite the allegations. Outside the court, the victims publicly declared their discontent with the sentence, choosing to waive their right to anonymity. They expressed their disgust and indicated they would seek legal advice to pursue further action.
One of the victims, visibly distressed, stated, “He took 10 years off my life and he is given just seven, and maybe he will do three and a half.” Her sister echoed her sentiments, saying they would try to move on with their lives while condemning Sloan’s actions, asserting, “Leave him be to rot where he is — he’ll end up in hell.”
The court heard harrowing details of Sloan’s abuse, which began when one sister was only 12 years old and the other just 11. The judge, Patrick Markey QC, emphasized the severity of Sloan’s crimes, describing his “catalogue of rape and indecency” as deserving of harsh punishment. He acknowledged that Sloan’s decision to plead guilty spared his victims the additional trauma of testifying in court, which was considered a mitigating factor.
During the hearing, defense counsel Andrew Donaldson attempted to contextualize Sloan’s conduct, suggesting that it could be attributed to “simple lust,” a characterization that drew criticism from the court. Donaldson also revealed that Sloan’s family had suffered from a hate campaign following his guilty plea, including anonymous letters and vandalism directed at Sloan’s wife, Michelle, and their two sons. Posters labeling Sloan as a “rapist and child molester” had been displayed near his residence, causing further humiliation for his family.
In her testimony, Sloan’s wife expressed her unwavering support for her husband, claiming she forgave him and stood by his side. However, Judge Markey expressed regret that Sloan’s “grave misconduct” had caused suffering to his innocent wife and children, emphasizing that the punishment was a consequence of Sloan’s own actions. The judge also made it clear that Sloan would be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, a measure that underscores the seriousness of his crimes and the lasting impact on his victims and community alike.
James Sloan, who resides in Oakview, Templepatrick, faced a total of 35 charges, including multiple counts of rape and indecent assault. Initially, Sloan entered a plea of not guilty to the allegations, which detailed abuse occurring between June 1991 and July 2001. However, on the morning of his trial, he changed his plea to guilty, a decision that brought some relief to the victims but did little to mitigate the outrage expressed by the court and the public.
As Sloan was led away from the dock following his sentencing, chaos erupted in the courtroom. Court staff, police officers, and a solicitor had to intervene to separate Sloan’s two victims from his wife, who stood steadfastly by her husband despite the allegations. Outside the court, the victims publicly declared their discontent with the sentence, choosing to waive their right to anonymity. They expressed their disgust and indicated they would seek legal advice to pursue further action.
One of the victims, visibly distressed, stated, “He took 10 years off my life and he is given just seven, and maybe he will do three and a half.” Her sister echoed her sentiments, saying they would try to move on with their lives while condemning Sloan’s actions, asserting, “Leave him be to rot where he is — he’ll end up in hell.”
The court heard harrowing details of Sloan’s abuse, which began when one sister was only 12 years old and the other just 11. The judge, Patrick Markey QC, emphasized the severity of Sloan’s crimes, describing his “catalogue of rape and indecency” as deserving of harsh punishment. He acknowledged that Sloan’s decision to plead guilty spared his victims the additional trauma of testifying in court, which was considered a mitigating factor.
During the hearing, defense counsel Andrew Donaldson attempted to contextualize Sloan’s conduct, suggesting that it could be attributed to “simple lust,” a characterization that drew criticism from the court. Donaldson also revealed that Sloan’s family had suffered from a hate campaign following his guilty plea, including anonymous letters and vandalism directed at Sloan’s wife, Michelle, and their two sons. Posters labeling Sloan as a “rapist and child molester” had been displayed near his residence, causing further humiliation for his family.
In her testimony, Sloan’s wife expressed her unwavering support for her husband, claiming she forgave him and stood by his side. However, Judge Markey expressed regret that Sloan’s “grave misconduct” had caused suffering to his innocent wife and children, emphasizing that the punishment was a consequence of Sloan’s own actions. The judge also made it clear that Sloan would be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, a measure that underscores the seriousness of his crimes and the lasting impact on his victims and community alike.