Former fire chief jailed for indecently assaulting teenager
The former chief of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has been sentenced to eight months in prison after pleading guilty to indecently assaulting a teenager at a church youth group.
Gary Thompson, 56, of Rogan Wood in Newtownabbey, will also be under supervision for 15 months when he is released.
The offending was carried out over a four month period in 2006.
In a statement, police said "he has been sentenced today for two counts of indecent assault against a now 33-year-old woman who was only 15-years-old at the time of the abuse. The abuse occurred between June and November 2006".It added: "He was jailed today at Belfast Crown Court for eight months and probation for 15 months thereafter. He will also be subject to a five year Sexual Offences Protection Order and will be on the sex offenders register for ten years."Speaking out today, Nikella Holmes, who has now waived her right to anonymity and spoken out about the abuse, released a statement saying: “I would like to thank the PSNI for their tremendous work throughout this lengthy and challenging process. From the moment I reported via 101 I knew I would be treated with respect and care. I was believed and supported, throughout a difficult process by my investigating officer.“Predators must face the consequences of their actions as my abuser has done today. I would encourage anyone who has gone through abuse to report if they wish to do so. There is support for you.”Detective Chief Inspector Claire McGarvey, said: “Thompson was in a position of trust in the community and held in high regard. He took advantage of a 15-year-old child who he manipulated and believed he was in a ‘relationship’ with.“Nikella met Thompson through a Community Church in November 2004. He began communicating with her over text to build a rapport which we would classify as grooming, before encouraging in person meet ups in 2006 when the indecent assaults took place in his car. He preyed on her and thought he would get away with it through manipulation. He was wrong.“I’d like to praise Nikella who has shown immense bravery and courage in supporting the investigation.“We will continue to work around the clock to bring child predators before the courts and would encourage anyone who may have been abused in a similar way to come forward. The passage of time doesn’t matter.“Child abuse cannot continue in Northern Ireland, we will do everything in our power to stop predators in their tracks and get victims the justice they deserve.”
The court was told that Thompson has expressed remorse and regret.As he was being led away in handcuffs, a family member blew him a kiss.
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