A JUDGE has commended the bravery of a victim in coming forward to report historic abuse telling him, “You were not to blame and nothing you could have done as a nine-year-old would have prevented this.
Previously dubbed “as bad as Jimmy Savile” by a victim, convicted paedophile Richard Francis (38) from Fermanagh but now with an address given as Maghaberry Prison is currently serving a 14 year prison sentence for twice raping and indecently assaulting a female child on various dates during 2006. Aged 26 at the time, he first took his opportunity to sexually abuse the child during a hide-and-seek game, later culminating in rape.
He denied the charges and stood trial at Dungannon Crown Court, last year, where he was convicted on all counts.
Then earlier this year, Francis was back in the same court in relation to further similar offending, this time involving a male child, but occurring before the matters for which he is imprisoned. Originally accused of 22 child sexual offences, Francis pleaded not guilty to all, but later changed this and accepted 17 offences over a two year period between 1993 and 1995.
Sentencing took place today on Thursday with the court told Francis was aged around 11-13 at the time of offending and his victim, 9-11.
It emerged there had been a period of sexual abuse of the boy who said nothing, first reporting matters to police in January 2018.
While accepting Francis was also a child at the time, the victim was left deeply traumatised by the abuse.
The content of what was disclosed to the court was graphic in detail and cannot be published, save to save the victim suffered intense pain and distress, and remains affected years later.
Defence counsel Richard Greene QC said his client wished to apologise, and his “Guilty pleas reinforce this to the victim. He understands it brings justice…he accepts the tragic consequences caused.”
Speaking directly to the victim in the public gallery Judge Neil Rafferty said, “I do not underestimate the bravery you have demonstrated. I want to tell you this and I want you to believe it – you were not to blame. Nothing you did was your fault. There was nothing you could do as nine-year-old child to prevent this.
“You are blame-free. Live the rest of your life blame-free. Do not think this is a blight to the rest of your life. It may require you to be brave, but you have already shown you have that bravery within you.”
Turning to Francis, Judge Rafferty continued, “I am satisfied this conviction has brought forward a change in you and an honesty in what you have done to others. I hope that is a permanent change.”
Imposing a sentence of three-years-imprisonment the judge added although Francis is now an adult, he is required to be dealt with as a minor.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere