Former Co Antrim teacher jailed for historic child sexual abuse as victims speak of lifelong impact and urge others to come forward

A 77-year-old man has been jailed for historic child sexual abuse offences spanning more than four decades, with survivors describing the lifelong trauma they endured and calling on others to break their silence.

William Lloyd Lavery, from Lisburn, was sentenced at Laganside Crown Court on Tuesday, April 28, to two years’ imprisonment for six counts of indecent assault against children.

The court heard that between 1976 and 1978, Lavery sexually assaulted four girls all aged around 13-years-old. The victims, now adults, came forward many years later seeking justice for the abuse they suffered as children.

Despite denying all allegations when he voluntarily attended a police station for interview on November 16, 2022, Lavery was subsequently reported to the Public Prosecution Service and found guilty on January 23, 2026. His sentencing this week brings a decades-long wait for accountability to a close.

Abuse of trust within school environment

The offences were committed within a school setting, where Lavery exploited a position of power and trust to target young girls.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Kelly Foley described him as “an opportunist”, highlighting how he used that authority to prey on vulnerable children.

She emphasised that the passage of time does not prevent justice being delivered, stating that the outcome demonstrates how offenders can still be held accountable years, even decades, after crimes are committed.

Police have seen a sustained rise in reports of non-recent child abuse, with an average of 76 new referrals recorded each month across Northern Ireland over the past five years. Investigators say cases like this underline the importance of continued reporting and the willingness of victims to come forward.

The detective inspector also stressed that specialist officers are working continuously to pursue offenders and reduce barriers that prevent victims from reporting abuse, reinforcing a clear message that perpetrators will be pursued regardless of how much time has passed.

Survivors describe decades of trauma and silence

In the wake of the sentencing, three of the victims have spoken publicly about the lasting impact of the abuse, offering powerful insight into how it shaped their lives.

Sarah, now aged 63, reflected on the enduring psychological toll, explaining that although the abuse occurred 50 years ago, “it may as well have been yesterday”. She described how such experiences “stay with you” and can shape a person’s life long after the events themselves, recalling how her “bubble of innocence was burst” at the age of 13.

While acknowledging the difficulty of speaking out, she said remaining silent had been even harder, adding that the conviction marked a long-awaited moment of justice against a man she believed had escaped accountability for years.

Emma, now 61, detailed the fear that followed her throughout her school life, describing how she would deliberately stay within groups of girls while moving between lessons to avoid encountering him.

The memory of his actions, she said, felt like “a constant, painful, picking at a scab that never heals”, leaving her with a lifelong sense of injustice.

Her decision to report the abuse marked a turning point. She described how, from the moment she contacted police, she felt listened to and believed, highlighting the support measures available to victims which allowed her to feel safe enough to finally confront what she described as a “toxic burden”.

Lucy, also 61, spoke of the immediate impact the abuse had on her as a child, explaining how it left her feeling ashamed and unable to confide in anyone. She recalled struggling to sleep and spending months on a mattress on her parents’ bedroom floor, later receiving support from a child psychologist.

Now, she says she has no regrets about coming forward, describing herself as a strong woman determined to move forward, and expressing hope that the outcome will encourage others affected by historical abuse to seek justice.

Call for vigilance and reporting

Authorities are urging parents, guardians and the wider community to remain vigilant and report any concerns involving children, whether online or in person.

Anyone who has been the victim of recent or non-recent child abuse is encouraged to contact police on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

Police say the increase in reporting reflects growing awareness and confidence among victims, but stress that continued vigilance and willingness to come forward remain critical in tackling abuse and bringing offenders to justice.

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At a glance

• William Lloyd Lavery, 77, from Lisburn sentenced to two years in prison

• Convicted of six counts of indecent assault against children

• Offences took place between 1976 and 1978

• Victims were aged between nine and 13 at the time

• Found guilty on January 23, 2026, after denying allegations in 2022 interview

• Police report average of 76 non-recent child abuse referrals monthly across Northern Ireland

• Survivors describe lifelong trauma and urge others to come forward

• Public urged to report concerns via 101 or 999 in emergencies