William McConnell

William McConnell, a 62-year-old former civilian photographer for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and ex-soldier from Church Square in Sion Mills, appeared at Newry Crown Court where he was sentenced for a series of sexual offences spanning from 2000 to 2015. The charges against him included voyeurism, indecent assault, and possession of an indecent photograph of a child. McConnell was found guilty of voyeurism earlier in 2019 following a trial, but he pleaded guilty to the remaining charges.

The court heard details of McConnell's abusive behaviour, which involved exploiting his professional position as a photographer. In one instance related to the voyeurism conviction, McConnell had been taking what he described as 'glamour pictures' of individuals, but he secretly left a camera recording in the room after leaving, capturing private moments without consent. This act represented a clear breach of trust and privacy. The offences affected three victims and were repeated over a 15-year period, highlighting a pattern of predatory conduct.

Judge Gordon Kerr, presiding over the case, described the offending as being at the 'lower end' of seriousness but emphasised its repetitive nature and the abuse of a professional relationship. Rather than imposing an immediate custodial sentence, the judge opted for a community-based penalty, stating: 'Probation is a better option from the public's perspective as it gives more control over him than a short prison term.' McConnell was placed on three years' probation, required to attend specified courses, and warned that non-compliance would result in resentencing to a 12-month immediate prison term. The judge added: 'If you come before me again that's exactly what you'll get.'

In addition to probation, McConnell was added to the sex offenders' register for five years and subjected to restraining orders to protect his three victims. The case was prosecuted under the jurisdiction of the PSNI, with proceedings reported by the BBC on 26 September 2019. No further appeals or additional details on the victims' identities were disclosed in court to safeguard their privacy.