Police officer on impact child sex abuse cases have on colleagues

The PSNI are averaging around 45 new reports a month of histocial child sex abuse

A police officer has said the courage of victims in child sex abuse cases pushes them to do the best they can despite how difficult investigations can be.

The PSNI are averaging around 45 new reports a month of histocial child sex abuse in Northern Ireland and that cases of abuse have been increasing over the past five years.

Following the conviction of sick child predator Patrick Lavery this week at Craigavon Crown Court, who received a five years sentence after being found guilty of a ten year campaign of abuse against six children, Belfast Live spoke to investigating officer about the case and the impact investigations like this have on victims and the police.

READ MORE: Patrick Lavery described as “incredibly manipulative child predator” as judge jails himREAD MORE: ‘I was abused at the age of 12 by sick child predator Patrick Lavery’

Detective Inspector Chris Flemming, said that while he knows how hard these can be for victims, they can also be tough on officers themselves but the courage of victims leads them to ensure they do the best job for them as possible.

He said: “Historically it has been a difficult crime to report, victims have concerns over whether they will be believed or not. We would hope that we are starting to turn that around and people will see that police will give them a great service and justice can be had and there is support for them.

“It is a very difficult crime to investigate and that does come with a price to officers. The quantity of work is a factor and we are averaging 45 new referrals a month with this type of offence so that is difficult.

But the way we look at it is, that if victims are strong enough to come forward then we owe it to them to find a way to find a good service and investigate it thoroughly.”

Following the conviction of Lavery, Detective Fleming also issued a stern warning saying: “Let this serve as another warning to those perpetrating child sexual abuse in our communities, we are working every day to break down reporting barriers and encourage victims to come forward. You will be caught, your lies uncovered and you will face the full force of the law.”

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