79-Year-Old Woman Sentenced for Historic Child Sexual Abuse in Northern Ireland

A 79-year-old woman from Comber, Hazel Templeton, has been sentenced for the sexual abuse of a 12-year-old boy in 1984.

Following a police investigation, Templeton was interviewed on 25 April 2023 and later charged after a report was submitted to the Public Prosecution Service.

After initially denying the allegations, she later pleaded guilty to:

• Four counts of indecent assault on a male
• Three counts of inciting gross indecency with a child

Sentencing & Court Ruling

Templeton was sentenced at Laganside Court on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, to two years and nine months, serving half in custody and half on licence. She has also been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Police Statement on Justice for Survivors

Speaking on the case, Detective Constable Douglas described Templeton as a child predator who:

• Betrayed her position of trust
• Manipulated and exploited a young boy for her own gratification
• Left the victim suffering from lifelong mental health challenges

Despite the abuse taking place over 40 years ago, police emphasized that justice is still possible, encouraging other survivors of non-recent child abuse to come forward.

“Reports of historical child abuse in Northern Ireland are increasing as more people break their silence. There is no shame in speaking out, and suffering in silence is never the answer.”

Police urge anyone who has experienced abuse to seek help, reassuring victims that offenders will be held accountable.

Victim Speaks Out to Encourage Others

Templeton’s anonymous victim has bravely shared his story, encouraging other survivors—especially male victims—to seek support.

“For years, I felt nothing but confusion. The need to keep such a dark secret from my family and friends led me to shut down emotionally. I was terrified of what people would think if they knew what had happened to me.”

“Justice won’t erase the past, but it can start the healing process. It shows that society acknowledges your pain and that you are not to blame.”

Call for Victims to Speak Out

If you have experienced abuse, help is available. Police encourage victims to come forward and report their experiences.

Contact the Police on 101 or reach out to specialist support services for confidential help.