WILLIAM MCKILLUP PENSIONER FROM BALLYCASTLE SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN COUNTY ANTRIM
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Ballycastle Rapist
In a case that has shocked the community of Ballycastle and the wider County Antrim region, William McKillop, a 66-year-old man, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving two young girls. The court heard that McKillop, who previously served as a sexton for the Church of Ireland, committed these heinous acts over a span of years, with the earliest abuse dating back to 1959 and continuing until 1975.
William James McKillop, residing on Islandbuoy Road in Ballycastle, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault concerning one of his victims. Additionally, he admitted to three further charges of indecent assault related to the second girl. The proceedings at Antrim Crown Court revealed the disturbing timeline and nature of the abuse, which was described by the presiding judge, David Smyth QC, as being among the worst cases of its kind.
Judge Smyth characterized the abuse as
William James McKillop, residing on Islandbuoy Road in Ballycastle, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault concerning one of his victims. Additionally, he admitted to three further charges of indecent assault related to the second girl. The proceedings at Antrim Crown Court revealed the disturbing timeline and nature of the abuse, which was described by the presiding judge, David Smyth QC, as being among the worst cases of its kind.
Judge Smyth characterized the abuse as