THOMAS SLOAN FROM BELFAST SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE AND INDECENT ASSAULT

In a recent and highly disturbing case heard at Belfast Crown Court, Thomas Sloan, a 39-year-old man from Cluan Place in Belfast, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 12 years after being found guilty of attempting to rape a teenage girl and committing indecent assault against her. The court also mandated that Sloan be registered on the sex offenders' register for life, marking a severe and permanent consequence for his actions.

Judge Derick Rodgers delivered the verdict, condemning Sloan for his use of threats and his forceful personality to manipulate and sexually abuse his young victim. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offense, noting that the victim was only 15 years old at the time, while Sloan was in his late 30s. The judge stated, "She was only 15 while you were in your late 30s. You had power over her and used it in a perverted manner," highlighting the abuse of authority and vulnerability involved in the case.

Sloan is known locally as the chairman of the Crimson Star Flute Band, a prominent group based in the eastern part of Belfast. His conviction has sparked significant public and media attention, especially given his role within the community.

Following the conviction, Sloan’s legal representatives announced their intention to appeal the verdict. They also raised questions regarding allegations made in a newspaper report, in which the victim waived her right to anonymity. The defense lawyer expressed that Sloan was "devastated and disappointed by the jury’s verdict" and maintained his client's innocence, asserting that the issues raised in the media report "underline our concerns in this case."

Despite these claims, the impact reports presented to the court painted a bleak picture of the victim’s suffering. The reports described her as having endured significant emotional and psychological trauma, with one account revealing that she had attempted to take her own life due to the severity of her distress. The court was told that she had suffered grievously during the period of abuse, which left her severely traumatised.

In a related case, a man serving a 16-year sentence for sexually abusing his sisters and daughter received an additional nine-year sentence for raping his wife and indecently assaulting her sister. To protect the identities of the victims involved, the man cannot be named publicly. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that he pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, four charges of indecent assault, and 17 other assault-related charges. The case underscores the ongoing issues of sexual violence and abuse within the community, and the court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which such crimes are treated in Belfast.