LEE HAMILTON FROM DROMARA SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS

In a recent court hearing held at Craigavon Crown Court, a young man from Dromara named Lee Hamilton faced serious allegations related to the sexual assault of three young girls. The incident involved multiple charges, which Hamilton ultimately admitted to, leading to a sentencing that reflects the gravity of his actions.

On Thursday, November 30, 2017, Hamilton, aged 19 and residing on Aughnaskeagh Road in Dromara, pleaded guilty to a total of six criminal charges. These charges included sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13, a particularly disturbing offense that drew significant attention from the court. Additionally, Hamilton admitted to a charge of sexual assault by penetration, along with four other counts of sexual assault, all of which occurred after February 1, 2009.

Despite the severity of these allegations, Hamilton was found not guilty on eight other similar charges, which indicates that the prosecution could not establish beyond reasonable doubt that he committed those particular offenses. The court's decision to convict him on the six charges reflects a careful consideration of the evidence presented.

Given that Hamilton was under 18 at the time of the offenses, the court opted against imposing a custodial sentence. Instead, he was sentenced to three years of probation, a measure intended to monitor and rehabilitate rather than punish through imprisonment. Furthermore, Hamilton was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for a period of five years, ensuring that authorities can keep track of his activities and impose restrictions if necessary.

The court also issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which will remain in effect for seven years. This order imposes strict conditions on Hamilton, including a prohibition from engaging in any paid, voluntary, or charitable activities that could provide him access to children or young persons unless explicitly approved by his designated risk manager. Additionally, Hamilton is barred from having any unsupervised contact, association, or communication with individuals under 16 years of age unless such contact is unavoidable and approved by his risk manager.

To further protect the victims, a Restraining Order has been put in place, preventing Hamilton from having any direct or indirect contact with the three girls involved in the case. This order will remain in effect until November 30, 2022, ensuring a period of safety and distance between Hamilton and his victims. The court's rulings aim to balance justice with the need to prevent further harm, while also considering Hamilton's age and the circumstances of the offenses.