The mother of a sex abuse victim has described a Co Down pensioner as a “predator and dangerous human being” as he was sent to jail.
She spoke out as 80-year-old Sean Small was locked up for six years for a number of sexual offences.
The Newcastle man appeared before Newry Crown Court today (Wednesday), where he was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
There will also be a restraining order in place for 10 years.
Police have welcomed the sentencing.
Detective Constables Karen Mills and Neill McRoberts said: “The offences committed by Sean Small are sickening.
“He is a highly manipulative individual who befriended two families in order to sexually exploit one underage girl and one young woman.
“They will now both carry the trauma of what happened to them at the hands of this man for the rest of their lives.
“We thank them for their bravery in coming forward and reporting to us so that we could bring him to court today to answer for his crimes against them.
“We do not want victims to feel they have to suffer in silence.
“We would continue to encourage anyone who has experienced any form of sexual abuse or assault to contact police on 101, or in an emergency call 999. We have specially trained Detectives who can help you, no matter when the abuse happened.”
The mother of one of the victims said: “Sean Small is a sexual predator and dangerous human being who I trusted with my daughter.
“He manipulated us all and told her if she spoke out that she wouldn’t be believed – but she was.
“We would like to thank the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Public Prosecution Service and the Courts for taking this case on and for believing in my child and helping her and myself through this horrible ordeal.”
