WILLIAM MASON FROM LISBURN SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND INDECENT ASSAULT OF TEENAGE SINGER

In June 2009, a disturbing case unfolded involving William Mason, a band manager from Lisburn, who was convicted of heinous sexual offenses against a teenage girl. Mason, aged 46 and residing at Waverly Court, was found guilty of multiple charges related to the assault of a 16-year-old singer, whom he had lured into a vulnerable state through alcohol and manipulation.

The Belfast Crown Court heard harrowing details of Mason’s misconduct. It was revealed that he would encourage the young girl to consume alcohol, often driving her home afterward in his van, during which he committed the assaults. The court was told that Mason’s actions took place over a period spanning from April 1 to December 31, 2006, with the jury ultimately convicting him of two counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault.

Judge Loughran, presiding over the case, expressed profound disappointment and condemnation of Mason’s actions. He stated that Mason had destroyed what should have been a joyful period of adolescence for the victim. The judge emphasized the severity of the crimes and the lasting impact on the young girl’s life.

As part of his sentencing, Mason was sentenced to 11 and a half years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for the remainder of his life. The court also imposed strict restrictions on Mason’s future conduct, barring him from working with children, having unsupervised contact with minors, or loitering at locations primarily frequented by children for the next 20 years.

During the sentencing hearing, Mason stood in the dock, visibly shaking his head as Judge Loughran recounted the details of the sexual abuse. The judge, however, reminded Mason that he was bound by the jury’s verdict, which found him guilty of the charges.

It is noteworthy that Mason’s initial trial in April of the previous year resulted in a conviction for one count of indecent assault. However, he was retried on two counts of rape and four additional charges of indecent assault earlier this year, with the jury ultimately convicting him on all counts. The court’s findings confirmed that Mason committed these grave offenses over a period in 2006, leaving a lasting scar on the victim’s life.