DERRY PAEDOPHILE WILLIAM MCAFFERTY SENTENCED FOR MULTIPLE SEX OFFENCES

In a significant development at the Crown Court in Derry, William MCafferty, a 60-year-old man originally from the Bogside area, has been found guilty of multiple child sex offences and is set to be sentenced next month. His current address was listed as care of Maghaberry Prison, reflecting his ongoing incarceration.

MCafferty, a former milkman by profession, faced a series of serious allegations involving a young girl aged 13. He pleaded guilty to fourteen counts of indecent assault and two additional charges of committing acts of gross indecency against the same victim. These offences spanned a period from October 1985 to October 1989, highlighting a prolonged pattern of abuse.

Initially, MCafferty had denied the charges, and a trial was scheduled to proceed with a jury composed of eight men and four women. The trial was expected to last approximately one week. However, during a re-arraignment before Judge Desmond Marrinan, the accused changed his plea and admitted to the allegations, thereby avoiding a lengthy trial. His guilty plea marked a significant moment in the case, bringing closure to the victim and the community.

The court proceedings revealed that the sexual abuse occurred on various dates over a four-year period, underscoring the severity and duration of the offences. This case is not the first time MCafferty has been involved in sex offences; in January 2003, he was sentenced to twelve years in prison after admitting to multiple sex crimes against three other young girls. Following that conviction, he was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for an indefinite period, reflecting the serious nature of his criminal history.

As the sentencing date approaches, the community and victims await justice, emphasizing the ongoing concern over child protection and the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions.