STEPHEN MENEICE FROM BELFAST CONVICTED OF SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL AT ELEVENTH NIGHT BONFIRE
In a case that has shocked the community of Belfast, a 40-year-old man named Stephen Meneice has been found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with a minor he met during an Eleventh Night bonfire celebration.The conviction follows a detailed trial at Belfast Crown Court, which spanned more than two weeks and involved careful deliberation by a jury composed of nine women and three men.
During the proceedings, the jury examined evidence related to nine separate sexual offences allegedly committed by Meneice over a two-month period in 2012.
The offences included seven counts of sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 16 and two additional charges of sexual activity with a minor.
The court heard that some verdicts were reached unanimously, while others were decided by a majority of 10 to 2.
Notably, Meneice was acquitted of a single charge involving threats to kill the girl.
Details of the case revealed that the offences took place between July 11, 2012, and September 15, 2012.
The prosecution, led by lawyer Kate McKay, explained that the allegations came to light after the victim confided in her father about her relationship with Meneice, prompting him to contact the police.
During her initial interview with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the teenage girl disclosed that she had met Meneice at an Eleventh Night bonfire event.
She further explained that Meneice groomed her for sexual activity, providing her with money and cigarettes.
The girl recounted that her first sexual encounter with Meneice occurred at his father’s flat.
Ms.
McKay emphasized to the jury that the girl had explicitly told Meneice her age—14—at the time, and he was aware of her age.
When Meneice was arrested, he admitted to knowing the girl and acknowledged giving her alcohol and cigarettes but denied any sexual contact had taken place.
Despite his claims, the jury rejected his version of events and found him guilty of most of the charges.
Following the verdict, Belfast Recorder David McFarland, who presided over the trial, ordered Meneice to be remanded in custody.
The sentencing hearing was scheduled for the following month, during which both a pre-sentence report and a victim impact statement would be considered.
As Meneice was led away in handcuffs, he shouted in protest, claiming innocence and dismissing the jury’s decision with a profanity-laden remark.
