Victim of human trafficking speaks out as man (71) sentenced to seven years

Oliver James MacCormack (71)

A 71-year-old man from Lisburn, Oliver James MacCormack, was sentenced today to seven years in prison at Belfast Crown Court for a series of heinous crimes, including human trafficking, controlling prostitution for gain, paying for sexual services, and supplying Class A drugs.

The sentencing marks the latest chapter in a large-scale investigation into the sexual exploitation of vulnerable women in Northern Ireland, with MacCormack’s conviction bringing the total number of men prosecuted in this case to four.

One of MacCormack’s nine victims, who has chosen to remain anonymous, has bravely spoken out about the devastating impact of his actions on her life.

In a powerful statement, she detailed how MacCormack manipulated her into heroin addiction and coerced her into sex work, stripping her of her autonomy and dignity.

“Before meeting MacCormack, I’d only tried heroin a couple of times,” she said. “Oliver got me hooked on heroin and orchestrated it that I became completely dependent on him to get my fix. This also had a major effect on my family. One day I went from being employed in a company, aged in my early 20s, to overnight becoming an advertised escort, a heroin addict waking up sick every day, and stealing from my family to buy heroin from him.”

The woman described how MacCormack’s control extended to every facet of her life.

“MacCormack manipulated me and used coercive control,” she explained. “He would supply me with heroin every day at the same place and at the same time. However, if I refused to have sex with one of the sex-buyers he had set me up with, he would not sell me any heroin and would block my phone number, leaving me sick for days.”

Her ordeal, she said, robbed her of her autonomy.

“With MacCormack, I lost the right to say yes or no as a girl and as a woman. Sex with paying customers just became so normal. I would wake up every day merely existing and not living. I hated MacCormack so much, but he had me needing him because of his heroin. I was addicted to heroin for seven years because of MacCormack and, in that time, I was often in trouble with the police.”

The emotional toll was profound, affecting her relationships with loved ones. “MacCormack came between my mother, nanny, and I,” she said. “I was very close to my nanny and feel like I didn’t get to spend the time with her that I should have before her death.”

Despite the trauma, the woman expressed resilience and hope for the future. “I am now free from heroin and feel stronger than I have in a long time,” she said.

“I will never let anyone treat me the way MacCormack did. I’m trying to do the best I can now. I have a great family. I will get through this and not let what MacCormack did to me define me.”

Detective Inspector Rachel Miskelly, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Organised Crime Branch, praised the courage of the victims who came forward.

“These young women have been inspirational, and I truly hope that others who may be suffering will be encouraged to come forward,” she said. “This horrific exploitation has happened by local men and on our own doorsteps. They lined their pockets at the expense of young women, while using them for their own sexual gratification. The girls have been used, controlled, and treated appallingly.”

The investigation revealed a network of older men, including MacCormack, Derek Brown (61), Kenneth Harvey (74), and Robert Rodgers (79), who targeted vulnerable women in Greater Belfast.

Derek Brown (61)

Kenneth Harvey (74)

Robert Rodgers (79)

While not part of an organised crime group, the men were known to one another and exploited their victims’ vulnerabilities, including mental health issues, homelessness, and drug dependency. MacCormack, in particular, supplied heroin to his victims, fostering their addiction to control their involvement in sex work.

Tragically, two of the women linked to this case died during the investigation—one from a suspected drug overdose and another from sepsis caused by intravenous drug use. MacCormack played a significant role in securing the latter’s dependency on drugs, according to police.

Detective Inspector Miskelly acknowledged the support of the Public Prosecution Service, Women’s Aid, Extern, and The Welcome Centre, as well as the families of the victims, who provided “invaluable support” under harrowing circumstances. She urged the public to remain vigilant for signs of human trafficking and to report concerns to the police on 101, or 999 in emergencies.

Information can also be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 012 1700.

The sentencing of MacCormack and his co-defendants underscores the ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in Northern Ireland.

For the woman who shared her story, today’s verdict is a step toward reclaiming her life. Her courage in speaking out serves as a beacon of hope for others trapped in exploitation, reminding them that they, too, can break free.