JOHN HAVERON SENTENCED IN BELFAST FOR DECADES-OLD INDECENT ASSAULTS ON YOUNG GIRLS
In a case that has spanned over three decades, a man from Belfast has been convicted and sentenced for the sexual abuse of two young girls.John Haveron, aged 65 and residing on Enfield Street in Belfast, was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault against the victims, who were both under the age of seven at the time of the incidents.
The assaults took place over a period stretching from November 1975 to January 1982, a time when the victims were very young children.
The Belfast Crown Court heard detailed testimonies about the abuse, which was committed when Haveron was between 26 and 33 years old.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, Haveron initially denied any sexual misconduct during police interviews.
However, after a thorough investigation and trial, he was convicted on all four charges.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution emphasized that the victims were vulnerable children at the time, and the crimes occurred in a period when Haveron was in his late twenties and early thirties.
The defense argued that there had been no further allegations against Haveron since the initial accusations and claimed that the offences were not at the most severe end of sexual assault.
The defense also highlighted that Haveron’s home had been targeted since the case came to court, with reports of his residence being ransacked, windows smashed, and threats made against him.
Furthermore, the defense lawyer revealed that Haveron had been advised via social media that “people are waiting for him in prison,” which prompted concern about his safety.
The judge, taking these threats seriously, instructed prison authorities to alert relevant agencies to ensure Haveron’s protection.
Ultimately, the court sentenced Haveron to four years in prison.
Half of this sentence will be served behind bars, while the remaining two years will be on supervised licence once he is released.
The case has left a lasting impact on the victims and highlights the ongoing issues surrounding historical abuse cases in Belfast.
