October 2013 Former showband star jailed for indecently assaulting little girls A former member of popular Irish showband ‘The Cotton Mill Boys’ has been jailed for one year after pleading guilty to a number of historic child sex abuse charges. Michael McManus, 66, from Carrowshee Park, Lisnaskea, appeared in Dungannon Crown Court on Monday, pleading guilty to four counts of indecent assault and one count of gross indecency towards three little girls. One of the abused was visibly upset as she attended court for the sentencing. In February 1990, McManus indecently assaulted one of the girls and committed an act of gross indecency on her. Between February 1990 and July 1992, he again indecently assaulted that child. Between May 1990 and May 1993, he indecently assaulted another young girl and between January 2005 and 2006, he indecently assaulted a third girl. The names of the complainants cannot be identified for legal reasons. On one occasion, McManus – who in the 70s was known as ‘The Dancing Fiddler’ – unlawfully touched one of the little girls by putting his fingers inside her vagina, while she feigned sleep. On another occasion, he sat one of the girls on his knee, rubbed her thigh and kissed her, putting his tongue inside her mouth. Prosecution barrister Michael McAleer told His Honour Judge Geoffrey Miller QC that the aggravating features against McManus were that there were three complainants and that there had been a breach of trust. Judge Miller added: “The Court is obligated to consider as an aggravating factor, the huge disparity between the age of the pre-pubescent girls and the defendant.” The mitigating factors in the case included the fact that McManus had no previous convictions, the touching was limited and did not involve pre-planning, he was an alcoholic and his guilty plea had saved time and meant the complainants would not have to give evidence during a trial. Mr. McAleer added that McManus had been treated in the Tyrone and Fermanagh hospital “which is considerable evidence of remorse”. Defence barrister Mark Mulholland told the Court that McManus realised a custodial sentence would be inevitable. He said the 66-year-old’s wife had died in the 90s and he had found his brother dead in 2004 after the pair had been binge drinking together. “This is a man not without his sorrows,” Mr. Mulholland stated. He read a statement from McManus’ friend Gerry McHugh which said: “I was aware that Mick was a recovering alcoholic. He expressed his shame and remorse at his thoughtlessness and immature behaviour during his years of alcoholism.” The Court heard that in August 2012 McManus overdosed on brandy and pills, saying: “I couldn’t face the thought of jail.” In March 2013, he voluntarily admitted himself to the Tyrone and Fermanagh hospital because he had thoughts of taking his own life and was given a tranquilliser. “This has had a significant bearing on Mr. McManus. It has affected his mental health and will continue to do so. This is something that will remain with him. He has admitted his wrong-doing and that does indicate remorse,” Mr. Mulholland said. He added: “Normally someone doesn’t admit their guilt in cases such as this.” Judge Miller sentenced McManus to one year in Maghaberry prison. This will be followed by three years on probation (during which time he must participate actively in the Community Sex Offender Group work Programme). He will also have to sign the Sex Offender’s Register for 10 years. McManus is also subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order preventing him from having any contact or communication with a child under the age of 18; staying away from home without prior approval from his risk manager; working or volunteering with children under 18; loitering at or being within 50 metres of any school, youth club, playgrounds, leisure centres or any other child centred locations; and having any contact with the victims of his offences.