PPS statement on sentencing in Alan McVeigh case

Publication date:

Alan McVeigh was sentenced today at Antrim Crown Court to 10 years imprisonment (5 years in prison and 5 years on licence) for offences including the rape of a child under 13, sexual assault and sexual communication with a child.

PPS Senior Public Prosecutor Catherine Kierans said: “This is a shocking case in which a 36-year-old man, Alan McVeigh raped a child under 13 years of age. I want to commend the strength and bravery of this young victim who came forward to report her experience to police. This must have been a traumatic experience for both her and her family. 

“The case was dealt with under a protocol for dealing with sexual cases involving a victim aged under 13 years more quickly. The protocol is judge led and involves the police, the PPS and the defence legal teams working together to avoid any unnecessary delay – which has a particularly significant impact on young victims - whilst allowing defendants to still get a fair trial. 

“The attack happened on New Year’s Eve 2020 and our prosecutors gave advice to police early in their investigation to help them build a strong file of evidence including the victim’s testimony, witness statements and forensic and digital evidence. This collaborative working helped us to progress the case as quickly as possible, with a prosecutor taking a decision the day after the file of evidence was received from police.

“We worked with police to build a robust prosecution case which resulted in McVeigh pleading guilty to offences including the rape of a child under 13, sexual assault and sexual communication with a child. 

“This was a devastating and callous crime but we hope the conclusion of this case gives the young victim and her family some comfort as they now look to the future.  

“We want to encourage other victims of rape and sexual offences to continue to come forward and report their experiences to police. We want to reassure you that you will have the benefit of a skilled and highly experienced prosecution team in the PPS Serious Crime Unit, and you will be treated with dignity and sensitivity at all times.”

Alan McVeigh was sentenced today at Antrim Crown Court to 10 years imprisonment (5 years in prison and 5 years on licence) for offences including the rape of a child under 13, sexual assault and sexual communication with a child.

PPS Senior Public Prosecutor Catherine Kierans said: “This is a shocking case in which a 36-year-old man, Alan McVeigh raped a child under 13 years of age. I want to commend the strength and bravery of this young victim who came forward to report her experience to police. This must have been a traumatic experience for both her and her family. 

“The case was dealt with under a protocol for dealing with sexual cases involving a victim aged under 13 years more quickly. The protocol is judge led and involves the police, the PPS and the defence legal teams working together to avoid any unnecessary delay – which has a particularly significant impact on young victims - whilst allowing defendants to still get a fair trial. 

“The attack happened on New Year’s Eve 2020 and our prosecutors gave advice to police early in their investigation to help them build a strong file of evidence including the victim’s testimony, witness statements and forensic and digital evidence. This collaborative working helped us to progress the case as quickly as possible, with a prosecutor taking a decision the day after the file of evidence was received from police.

“We worked with police to build a robust prosecution case which resulted in McVeigh pleading guilty to offences including the rape of a child under 13, sexual assault and sexual communication with a child. 

“This was a devastating and callous crime but we hope the conclusion of this case gives the young victim and her family some comfort as they now look to the future.  

“We want to encourage other victims of rape and sexual offences to continue to come forward and report their experiences to police. We want to reassure you that you will have the benefit of a skilled and highly experienced prosecution team in the PPS Serious Crime Unit, and you will be treated with dignity and sensitivity at all times.”

ENDS

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