Haileigh Ashton Lamont's stepfather

Haileigh Ashton Lamont's stepfather subjected her to a decade of childhood sexual abuse, leading to his conviction on 42 charges of sexual assault. The perpetrator, whose name is not specified in the article, received a 16-year sentence—eight years in prison and eight on licence—following his admission of guilt.

At the Feile an Phobail event on 6 August 2025 in Belfast, Haileigh Ashton Lamont waived her anonymity to discuss the abuse and the failings of the criminal justice system. She worked for 18 months with Assist NI, supporting victims and delivering training to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Lamont stated, 'People need to be held accountable. Victims and survivors are being failed. The criminal justice system is defendant-centric. It’s not fit for purpose.' The Belfast Telegraph article details how she emphasised the importance of victims being not only believed but understood.

The stepfather's predatory behaviour ruined Lamont's childhood, prompting her commitment to advocacy for change. The coverage links her experience to wider efforts like the ‘Brave’ movement, focusing on ending sexual violence against children through improvements in education, justice, and religious systems. Lamont's story underscores the need for an independent survivors’ council to influence policy.

The sentencing reflects the severity of the 42 sexual assault charges, with the custodial portion ensuring imprisonment, as reported in the context of Northern Ireland's ongoing battle against child sex offences.