'He forced me to view the world as a dangerous place, filled with people who can hurt me like he did'
Remorseless predator Gerard McKenna, 30, was handed a nine year sentence by Judge Patrick Lynch KC while his co-accused, 25-year-old Paul Sheridan, was given a six and a half year sentence.
McKenna, originally from the Whiterock area of West Belfast but who has been in Maghaberry since the incident, was unanimously convicted of raping and sexually assaulting the 12-year-old victim and of sexual activity with a second victim who was 15 at the time, as well as offering to supply class A drugs, namely cocaine, and two counts of child abduction on the same date.
Sheridan was not tried alongside McKenna due to perceived threats against him, but went on the run and a warrant was issued for his arrest. In court on Friday during the judge’s 35 minute sentencing remarks the defendants appeared at court via videolink from prison. Sheridan sat seemingly impassive while McKenna appeared agitated, more interested in looking at his watch and fixing the collar of his red polo shirt.
As regards the effect of the rape and sexual assaults, Judge Lynch said he had read the victim impact statement from May last year where she outlined how the incident “broke me” and how McKenna “stole my innocence and virginity”, leaving her “scared and afraid”.
Danmark Seneste Nyt, Danmark Overskrifter
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