Sex beast William Patterson sentenced to 22 years at Coleraine Crown Court for litany of sex crimes against children
Born-again Christian William Patterson, of Magherafelt Road, Tobermore, was sentenced to 22 years relating to sexual abuse offences involving children at his wife’s child-minding business.
It is believed to be one of the longest sentences ever handed down on a convicted paedophile
He was be placed on the Sex Offenders Register and subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).
Patterson was convicted of 84 offences involving 19 children at two separate trials in June and November last year.
The litany of sex crimes was carried out over a 13 year period.
Jurors at both trials were told Patterson abused the children where the childminding business was located.
The abuse took place in a garden, on garden swings, in a hot tub and in a shed.
He performed sex acts in front of children.
The depraved pensioner also tied some of the children up during the abuse and on occasions got them to tie him to a tree and then to throw sponges at him.
He also committed sexual assaults against some of his child victims.
Detective Chief Inspector Kerry Brennan said: “Our Public Protection Branch specialist detectives are trained to investigate this type of crime and we will continue to empower victims to come forward and educate adults on how to spot the signs of abuse.
“Our thoughts today, are with the young victims that this man preyed over for many years and their families.
“No child should ever have to suffer this type of horrific abuse.
“We want to thank them for their bravery in coming forward and their families for working with detectives to bring this abuser to justice.
“If you are concerned that a child may be being abused, or you have been the victim of sexual abuse, please come forward to us by calling 101, or in an emergency call 999.
“Don’t suffer in silence,” added DCI Brennan.
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