TWO sisters who were sexually abused by an Enniskillen man more than 50 years ago were left feeling “vindicated” after his sentencing last week.
David Francis Collins, of Kilmacormick Road, Enniskillen was deemed unfit to stand trial on ten counts of abuse including indecent assault, gross indecency and attempted rape.
But, a trial of facts at Dungannon Crown Court, sitting in Newry, found the 80-year-old had subjected the women to a catalogue of sexual abuse when they were young children. He was found guilty of seven counts.
Maud Clarke, one of the sisters, told the Herald of the great satisfaction she and her sister Joyce McCormick now both felt.
“We feel vindicated that the public knows about this and he can’t destroy any other people’s lives,” Maud said.
“This will mean that he can never go near children or vulnerable adults ever again, so justice has been done. We can sleep easy knowing now that any children that come into his path will be safe.”
Collins walked free at his sentencing hearing last Thursday at Newry Crown Court after being found unfit for trial.
However, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders register and was placed on the barring list for contact with children and vulnerable adults.
Maud was around 11 years old when the abuse took place, while her sister Joyce was aged around six or seven. All of the charges against the former painter and decorator date from 1970 to 1973.
“We are just relieved that it is all over. It’s been a long struggle, but it’s a great feeling to get the right decision. We are delighted to get him convicted on seven counts,” Maud said.
“It’s all out in the open now. The truth has finally been told about what he did to us. That matters so much.”
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