Former Primary School Teacher jailed for sexual offences against children
- Love Ballymena
- May 12
- 2 min read
A former Primary School Teacher has been jailed today, 12th May 2025 for sexual offences against two 10-year-old boys who were his primary six pupils at the time.
Thirty-seven-year-old William Maher from Belfast was sentenced to one year in prison and one year on licence.
He is subject to registration requirements for 10 years. He is also subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for 4 years. Maher is also barred from the teaching profession and from working with children either in a paid or unpaid capacity.
The offences included three counts of sexual communications with a child and three counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual offences on dates between 1 Sept 2021 and 24 May 2022.
Detective Constable Eszter Aszmann said:
“Maher is a child predator who used his position of trust to take advantage of young boys who trusted him.
“Maher preyed on the innocence of his extremely young victims, who should at their age, never have been exposed to the sexual conversations he initiated with them.
“It is often incredibly difficult for young children, to raise the alarm when an adult they trust targets them in such a way.
“I would like to acknowledge the bravery of these young victims and thank the parents for their unwavering support in helping us to bring Maher before the courts.
“It is important for parents/guardians to understand the signs of child sexual abuse. We continue to raise awareness and encourage all to educate themselves so as a society we can intervene and safeguard as early as possible. https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/child-protection
“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.“If you think a child in your care is being abused in any way do not hesitate to report to us, you are never wasting our time. We are here to help, support, safeguard and bring perpetrators to justice.”
