Police praise courage of victim as 70-year-old jailed for sexual assaults

Convicted 70-year-old Edward Allen

Police have praised the courage and resilience of a victim after a 70-year-old man was sentenced for a series of sexual offences at Dungannon Crown Court.

Edward Allen, aged 70, was sentenced on Monday 19 January for two counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual assault by penetration.

The court handed down a four-year prison sentence, with half to be served in custody and the remainder on licence. A Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) will also be imposed upon his release from prison.

Detective Sergeant Nichol paid tribute to the victim, highlighting the personal strength required to come forward and engage with the criminal justice process.

“I want to thank the victim for bravely reporting this individual to police and for showing such strength. We know the prison sentence will not erase what happened, but we do hope it will provide some comfort to the victim,” the detective sergeant said.

The case has been described by police as a clear example of their commitment to tackling sexual violence and holding offenders to account, regardless of age or background.

“We are committed to tackling violence against women and girls, and we hope this court outcome sends a clear message to offenders there is no hiding place, and we will work tirelessly to bring you before the court,” Detective Sergeant Nichol added.

Police also emphasised the wider importance of building trust with victims and encouraging reporting, noting that many survivors of sexual abuse struggle in silence for years.

“We are committed to building trust and confidence, relentlessly pursuing perpetrators and making all spaces safer for women and girls. If you have ever been sexually assaulted, experienced or witnessed any form of sexual abuse, we urge you to contact police on 101, or in an emergency call 999. We are here to help you.”

Officers say the outcome of the case underlines the importance of victims coming forward and reassures communities that reports of sexual abuse will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.