WES PIGOTT'S SHAMEFUL CRIME IN BALLYMENA AND COLERAINE: PERVERTED DJ SENTENCED FOR TEEN OBSESSION

In May 2010, a disturbing case emerged involving Wes Pigott, a 60-year-old DJ with ties to Ballymena and Coleraine, who was convicted of indecently assaulting a teenage girl. The incident revealed a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned over a summer period, during which Pigott became dangerously obsessed with the young schoolgirl.

Wes Pigott, known for his love of country and gospel music, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison at Antrim Crown Court. The court heard how Pigott’s actions went beyond mere acquaintance, involving grooming tactics that included supplying cigarettes to the girl, bombarding her with persistent text messages, and even handing over the keys to his flat in Coleraine. Prosecutors described his conduct as a calculated attempt to manipulate and control the teenager, with the behavior escalating to the point of indecent assault.

During the proceedings, the prosecution emphasized that Pigott’s pre-attack behavior clearly constituted grooming, a disturbing effort to undermine the authority of the girl’s parents and establish inappropriate influence. The court was told that the assault took place at Pigott’s flat during the summer of 2007, a period during which his infatuation grew increasingly dangerous.

Judge Smyth, delivering the sentence, was particularly critical of Pigott’s lack of remorse. The judge condemned his refusal to accept responsibility, noting that Pigott had denied the allegations and claimed that his relationship with the girl was innocent. The judge expressed concern over Pigott’s attitude, highlighting that his denial and lack of acknowledgment of wrongdoing were troubling.

It was also revealed that Pigott maintained a Facebook profile where he described himself as single, interested in women, and seeking a relationship. This profile painted a picture of a man who publicly presented himself as someone interested in dating, despite his criminal actions. Additionally, Pigott’s presence on Bebo, a social networking site popular among teenagers, further illustrated his inappropriate behavior. On his Bebo page, he claimed to be “about 55 years of age” and described himself as a “jock with a difference,” expressing his love for driving his blue 206 sports car and DJing at local radio stations and country gigs in Ballymena.

His online profiles revealed a man who enjoyed Irish and American country music, showbands, gospel, and easy listening, portraying an image of an honest and varied lifestyle. However, these public personas starkly contrasted with his criminal conduct, which the court described as deeply disturbing.

During the trial, Pigott pleaded not guilty, forcing the victim to testify and recount her ordeal. The court noted that Pigott insisted there was nothing inappropriate about his relationship with the girl, a stance that the judge found troubling. Judge Smyth emphasized that Pigott’s failure to accept responsibility was one of the most concerning aspects of the case. He pointed out that Pigott’s frequent text messaging was a clear attempt to undermine parental authority and manipulate the girl, actions that any reasonable person would recognize as inappropriate and harmful.

Ultimately, the court’s verdict and sentencing reflected the seriousness of Pigott’s misconduct, highlighting the dangers posed by individuals who abuse their positions of trust and manipulate vulnerable young people in Ballymena and Coleraine.