Cookstown man jailed for 13 years over child sexual abuse offences

A 31-year-old man from Cookstown has been jailed for 13 years after being convicted of multiple child sexual abuse offences, including the rape of a child under 13.

Jason Harkness was sentenced today, Wednesday 13 August 2025, at Laganside Crown Court for crimes committed between 2017 and September 2021.

The offences included sexual assault of a child under 13, common assault, rape of a child under 13, and possessing an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child.

Harkness was also made subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for an indefinite period and disqualified from working with children indefinitely.

Detective Sergeant Mallon described the case as “sickening” and paid tribute to the victim’s courage in speaking out.

“To take a child’s innocence away from them in such an abhorrent way is sickening. Our thoughts are with the victim today, who was only six years old when these offences began,” said DS Mallon.

“We hope that the bravery shown by this victim in coming forward will encourage others who have experienced any form of sexual abuse to come forward to Police.

“Today’s sentencing illustrates that we remain committed to investigating all reports of sexual offences against children and young people, building robust cases to get justice before the courts.

“If you have ever experienced or witnessed any form of sexual abuse we urge you to contact police on 101, or in an emergency call 999. We have specially trained detectives who can help you, no matter when the abuse happened. You don’t have to suffer in silence.”

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has reiterated its commitment to pursuing perpetrators of sexual offences and ensuring that victims receive the support they need to seek justice.