Co Antrim man jailed for child sexual abuse as victim urges others to speak out
Jailed: County Antrim man Curtis Archibald
A County Antrim man who groomed a girl and threatened to share images he had forced her to send him has been jailed, as his victim urged others experiencing abuse to come forward.
Curtis Archibald, 26, from Bushmills, was sentenced at Antrim Crown Court on Tuesday 8 September to three years, comprising 18 months in custody and 18 months on licence.
He was sentenced for 11 offences and also received a seven-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
Abuse uncovered after adult raised concerns
The offences included sexual communication with a child, causing or inciting a child aged between 13 and 16 to engage in sexual activity, possessing an indecent photograph of a child and threatening to disclose private sexual images.
Police received a report from a concerned adult on 5 February 2024 that a child was going to meet Archibald.
When questioned, the girl disclosed that she had been forced to send him images of herself which he was threatening to share. Archibald was arrested and subsequently charged following examination of his digital devices.
“I didn’t have a childhood”
Speaking anonymously through police, the victim described the lasting impact of the abuse and encouraged others to seek help.
She said:
“I didn’t have a childhood, he took that from me. He took any innocence I had and robbed me off it. I have to live with the trauma of his abuse for the rest of my life. Speaking out was the hardest thing I’ve ever done but I don’t regret it. I am glad that today the truth won and he will be known now for what he is, a child abuser and predator.”
She added:
“I would encourage anyone out there who has gone through something similar as me to speak out. I wasn’t believed by my own family but the police believed me and treated with sensitivity and respect. You will be too. Don’t be scared, you are not alone.”
Police praise victim’s bravery
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Gilbert said:
“This man groomed this girl from a young age and preyed on her vulnerabilities. He built trust with her so he could abuse her and then threaten her for his own perverted sexual gain.
“I want to thank the immense bravery of the victim in this case for assisting us in our investigation and bringing her abuser before the courts today. Child predators like Archibald have no place in our communities and we will do everything in our power to ensure they are brought to justice.”
DCI Gilbert also thanked the adult whose report enabled police to take safeguarding action to protect the girl.
She said:
“We rely on our local communities to be vigilant and be the voice for a child who doesn’t yet have the courage to speak up for themselves.”
Reporting concerns about a child
Police urged parents, guardians and members of the wider community to report any concerning behaviour towards a child, whether online or in person.
Anyone who has experienced recent or non-recent child abuse, or has concerns about a child, can contact police on 101. In an emergency, call 999.
