Neil Clarke Beckett facing trial over multiple counts of sexual assault

A school welfare officer is to stand trial in the New Year on multiple charges of sexually assaulting 11 females.

Neil Clarke Beckett, a health and wellbeing officer at Lagan College in Belfast, who denies the offences, also pleaded 'not guilty' to two separate charges of sexual communication with a child. From Kilmore Village in Downpatrick, 43-year old Beckett appeared before Judge Donna McColgan KC at Belfast Crown Court who fixed his trial date for February of next year.

After confirming his identity to a court clerk, the 27 counts of sexual assault and two of communication were formally put to Beckett. When the first charge was put to him, he replied "not guilty." He denied a further 24 charges of sexual assault which date between September 2018 and February 2023. Beckett repeated his denials when the two counts of sexual communication with a child 'for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification' were also put to him. These charges involve two young complainants and it's alleged that Beckett committed one offence between August 21, 2021 and February 1, 2023 and the second between September 1, 2022 and February 1, 2023. Judge McColgan said she would review the case at the end of January next. Beckett - who is believed to be on suspended leave - was released on continuing bail on conditions which include having no contact with staff at Lagan College in relation to the case.

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