Armagh Man Jailed After Pleading Guilty To 162 Sexual Abuse Offences

Friday, 21 April 2023 16:47

By Caoimhe Harney

He will be placed on the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely.

An Armagh man has been jailed after pleading guilty to 162 sexual abuse offences.

Thomas McKenna was sentenced to 16 years and he has been placed on the North's Sex Offenders' Register.

The 62-year-old's offending spanned over a 30-year period, from 1989 to 2018.

It involved 23 male victims - ranging in age from 14 to 39.

Mr. McKenna pleaded guilty to 162 sexual abuse offences including serious sexual assault, indecent assault, voyeurism and possession of an indecent image of a child.

The abuse took place at various locations in Crossmaglen, County Armagh, including at the local GAA club.

He will be placed on the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has commended the victims for coming forward and working with detectives.

Detective Chief Inspector Kerry Brennan said: "Thomas McKenna was a respected and influential member of the Crossmaglen community, who used his positions of trust to gain access to young males to carry out the litany of abuse,"

She added: "He has caused long-lasting psychological damage to his victims and their families and I've no doubt that learning of the severity of his offending today will ricochet through the Crossmaglen community."

The victims in this case released a joint statement saying: "We urge anyone else who has suffered similarly to take confidence from our journey and to reach out to the relevant authorities."