WILLIAM SALE SENTENCED IN BELFAST FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AND DRUG SUPPLY

A man from Belfast has been handed a prison sentence of 14 months after being found guilty of committing two separate counts of indecent assault against a female victim.

William Sale, aged 50, appeared before Belfast Crown Court at Laganside on Thursday, 20 March, where the court also imposed a five-year restraining order against him. Additionally, Sale was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years and was disqualified from working with children in any capacity.

In a related case heard at the same court, Linda Sale, aged 52, received a 12-month prison sentence, which was suspended for three years, after being convicted of attempting to supply a Class A controlled drug to the same victim.

The criminal acts took place over a period when the victim was between the ages of 11 and 15, highlighting the prolonged nature of the abuse and the significant impact it has had on her life.

Detective Sergeant Knight commented on the case, emphasizing the importance of victims coming forward: "It takes courage for victims of all crimes, but especially crimes of a sexual nature, to come forward and report to police. Now an adult, the victim in this case has been living with the trauma of what happened to her for a large part of her life. Her courage and bravery to come forward to police and then aid us in our investigation should be commended."

He further explained the police’s approach to handling such sensitive cases: "We treat all allegations of sexual offences sensitively and with compassion and have specially trained detectives who ensure victims are listened to, safeguarded and supported from the moment they report. You don't have to suffer in silence. I would continue to encourage anyone who has experienced any form of sexual abuse to contact police, no matter when it occurred. Call 101, or in an emergency always dial 999."