Belfast Man Sentenced To 20 Years For Child Sexual Abuse Offences

A 44-year-old Belfast man, Neil Jackson, has been sentenced to 20 years after being convicted of 45 child sexual abuse, cruelty and assault offences against three children. Police praised the courage of the victims and urged anyone affected by sexual abuse to come forward.

Belfast Man Sentenced For Child Sexual Abuse Offences

A Belfast man sentenced for child sexual abuse offences has received a 20-year sentence after being convicted of a catalogue of crimes against three children.

Neil Jackson, aged 44, was sentenced today, Friday 12 June 2026, after being convicted of 45 offences.

The offences were committed against three victims aged between five and thirteen. They included rape of a child under 13, common assault, child cruelty and other serious sexual offences.

Jackson was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment, made up of:

• 10 years in custody
• 10 years on licence

He will also be placed on the child sex offender’s register for life.

Neil Jackson Convicted Of 45 Offences

Police said the offences took place over several years.

According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Jackson committed child sexual abuse offences against a young girl over a three-year period.

He was also convicted of child cruelty and abuse offences against two young girls and a young boy over a five-year period.

Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan said the sentence reflected the seriousness of Jackson’s crimes.

She said:

“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the appalling crimes committed by Neil Jackson against vulnerable young children.

“Over a prolonged period, Jackson subjected them to horrific sexual and physical child abuse, robbing them of their childhood, subjecting them to horrific acts and causing trauma that will remain with them for many years.

“His actions were predatory, manipulative and entirely depraved.”

Police Praise Courage Of Victims

Detective Superintendent Brennan paid tribute to the three victims for their courage during the investigation and court process.

She said coming forward to report traumatic experiences takes immense strength.

She added:

“I want to pay tribute to the three victims in this case for the exceptional courage and resilience they have shown throughout this investigation and subsequent court proceedings.

“Coming forward to report such deeply personal and traumatic experiences requires immense strength and I hope this conviction gives encouragement, to anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, to come forward.”

Police said no sentence can undo the harm caused. However, they hope the outcome provides some measure of justice and reassurance.

Detective Superintendent Brennan added that protecting children and pursuing those who exploit and abuse them remains a priority for the PSNI.

Victim Says Sentence Brings Accountability

In an anonymous statement, the young female victim of sexual abuse said she had carried the weight of what happened in silence for a long time.

She said speaking out was one of the hardest things she had ever done.

Her statement continued:

“Today’s sentence cannot change the past, but it does mean that the person responsible has finally been held accountable for the pain and trauma he caused.

“He is nothing but a disgusting child predator who manipulated me at an incredibly vulnerable age and took everything away from me. Today, I can begin to claim it all back.

“I am grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this process and believed me when I found the strength to speak.

“I hope this outcome encourages other victims and survivors to know that they are not alone and that there is support available.”

How To Report Sexual Abuse

Anyone affected by sexual abuse can contact police on 101.

In an emergency, always call 999.

You can also report concerns online through the PSNI non-emergency reporting form:
https://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at:
https://crimestoppers-uk.org/

Support is also available from specialist organisations, including:

• NSPCC: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
• Victim Support NI: https://www.victimsupportni.com/
• Nexus NI: https://nexusni.org/

If you have been affected by sexual abuse, or if you are worried about a child, contact police on 101 or call 999 in an emergency.