STEPHEN-LEE MCILVENNY FROM BELFAST AND WEST BERGHOLT SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

A young man from West Belfast has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 23 years after being convicted of multiple heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Stephen-Lee McIlvenny, aged 21 and currently held at Hydebank Young Offenders Centre, faced a total of 77 charges that spanned over several years, including repeated acts of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, blackmail, and the distribution of indecent images of minors.

The offences primarily took place between 2019 and 2022, a period during which McIlvenny was between 16 and 19 years old. The victims, three teenage boys, endured a series of traumatic experiences at his hands, which have left lasting scars both physically and emotionally. The mother of one of the victims expressed her anguish, stating that her son has suffered profound trauma, both in body and mind, as a direct result of the abuse he endured.

The case was brought before Craigavon Crown Court, where Judge Donna Colgan KC highlighted the severity and aggravating circumstances surrounding the crimes. She pointed out that the abuse was not only prolonged but also involved manipulation, blackmail, and the use of drugs to facilitate the acts. The judge emphasized that the abuse was degrading, recorded, and subsequently shared, adding to the cruelty of the offenses. The court was visibly disturbed during the proceedings, with some family members of the victims having to leave the courtroom due to the graphic and distressing details being revealed.

The police investigation was triggered after witnesses observed McIlvenny attacking one of his victims in West Belfast in 2022, which resulted in the victim suffering a bleed to the brain. Further evidence was uncovered when mobile phones seized from McIlvenny contained images and recordings of the abuse, including footage he had recorded himself. The victims have since been diagnosed with PTSD, experience flashbacks, and suffer from various mental health issues, including seizures, as a consequence of the trauma inflicted upon them.

During the trial, McIlvenny claimed that he had also been a victim of exploitation, but the court found no evidence to support this assertion. Judge Colgan remarked that this case represented some of the highest levels of culpability she had encountered, criticizing McIlvenny for taking advantage of vulnerable boys for his own gratification. She described his actions as manipulative and predatory, exploiting their youth and vulnerability.

Following the sentencing, McIlvenny was led away in handcuffs from the courtroom amid a chorus of condemnation from the public gallery, with one individual shouting, “rot in jail.”

In a heartfelt statement, the mother of one of the victims expressed her deep concern about the impact of these crimes. She highlighted how her son’s life has been profoundly affected, affecting his ability to form trusting relationships and cope with everyday life. She called for increased societal support for young victims of sexual abuse and urged parents to always trust their instincts, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and early intervention to protect vulnerable children from predators.