Florencecourt man sentences for child sex offences

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has acknowledged the sentence handed down to a Fermanagh man convicted of non-recent child sexual abuse offences.

Gerard Augustine Quaile (59) from Creamery Close, Florencecourt, faced seven counts of indecent assault- six relating to one female child. The remainder concerned a second female child.

The offending occurred between 1980 and 1985.

Quaile denied all charges, but today he was jailed for a total of 38 months and two months and will remain on the Sex Offender Register for life.

It follows a trial that lasted over a week at Dungannon Crown Court, where the jury returned a majority verdict on four counts, relating to one victim, clearing him of the rest.

Detective Chief Inspector Lorraine McCutcheon from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Public Protection Branch said: “Quaile abused his victim over a number of years, robbing her of her innocence.

“I hope this outcome will not only bring a degree of closure to the victim, but also encourage others who have experienced any form of sexual abuse to come forward and contact police. It is never too late to make a report.

“If you have been a victim of sexual abuse please lift the phone and call us, you will be dealt with sensitively and your report will be thoroughly investigated.

"The Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Public Protection Branch has specially trained officers who will treat those who report a sexual offence with compassion, respect and care. Victims can be assured that we will support them every step of the way.

“We remain determined to bring anyone involved in any form of sexual abuse before the courts to answer for their crimes, no matter when they occurred.”