MICHAEL HIGGINS FROM BELFAST SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF ABUSE ON BOY ON BELFAST'S GOLDEN MILE
In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Belfast, Michael Higgins, a 47-year-old restaurateur, has been sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to register as a sex offender for life after being convicted of multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of a young boy.Higgins, who owns The Square Restaurant located on Belfast’s renowned ‘Golden Mile,’ faced a jury that found him guilty of 26 separate sex abuse charges.
These included 10 counts of indecent assault and 16 counts of committing or inciting acts of gross indecency, all alleged to have taken place during the 1980s and 1990s.
The Belfast Recorder, Judge David McFarland, delivered a stern judgment, describing Higgins’ actions as “an appalling episode in this young boy’s life.” The judge emphasized the severity of the abuse, which began when the victim was just five years old and continued until he was 15.
According to reports, the young boy was profoundly affected by the trauma, suffering long-term damage that would only recover gradually.
Judge McFarland recounted that Higgins, who resides on the Ormeau Road, was in his twenties when he first exploited his young victim.
The court heard that the victim endured years of suffering, which had a lasting impact on his mental and emotional well-being.
The judge noted that the victim had expressed a sense of relief and satisfaction that justice had been served, stating that he was “happy with the result” and that he felt “believed by the jury after all of these years.” The victim also remarked that he believed “justice has been done” regarding the sentencing.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge McFarland highlighted the aggravating factors of the case, including the victim’s youth at the time of abuse, the prolonged period over which the abuse occurred, and the significant harm inflicted.
He also acknowledged mitigating factors such as Higgins’ previously clean record and the recognition that his imprisonment and conviction would have a devastating effect on him and his family.
During the proceedings, the court considered testimonies from prominent Belfast businessmen, including jeweller Peter Lunn and developer David Frazier.
Both provided positive references, attesting to Higgins’ good standing within the Belfast community.
Mr.
Lunn, a family friend for three decades, described Higgins as “the heartbeat of the family” and noted his prominent role as the face of his restaurant, suggesting that his absence could threaten the viability of the business.
Despite Higgins’ persistent denials, the court observed that he appeared to show some willingness to engage in therapeutic work.
Upon his release from prison, Higgins agreed to serve an additional three years on probation, during which he will participate in a community sex offenders’ programme.
Furthermore, the judge imposed a Sex Offenders Prevention Order to restrict his activities and protect the community.
Higgins’s defense had claimed that on one occasion, while intoxicated, he engaged in a brief act of mutual touching with the victim, who he alleged was 16 at the time.
Higgins admitted that he had offered money to his victim but insisted that he was being blackmailed and did not do so voluntarily.
The jury, however, rejected Higgins’ claims of innocence, accepting the victim’s account that the offer of money was a bribe and that the abuse spanned a decade, beginning when the boy was five and continuing until he was 13, with an additional incident when he was 15.
This case has left a lasting scar on the Belfast community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children from abuse and exploitation.
