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Deaf man (57) pleads guilty to historic sex abuse charges

Joseph McDowell, who is profoundly deaf, made his pleas before Belfast Crown Court on Monday, with the help of a sign language interpreter
Joseph McDowell, who is profoundly deaf, made his pleas before Belfast Crown Court on Monday, with the help of a sign language interpreter Joseph McDowell, who is profoundly deaf, made his pleas before Belfast Crown Court on Monday, with the help of a sign language interpreter

A 57-YEAR-OLD Co Antrim man was put on the Sex Offenders' Register after he pleaded guilty to charges of historical sex abuse dating back more than two decades ago.

Joseph McDowell with an address in Bryans House, Manse Drive in Newtownabbey, admitted a total of six charges of gross indecency with, or towards a child between October 31 and December 1, 1993.

McDowell, who is profoundly deaf, made his pleas before Belfast Crown Court on Monday, with the help of a sign language interpreter.

No details surrounding the sex abuse of his single victim, who cannot be named to protect their identity, was given Judge Alastair Devlin, who released McDowell on continuing bail until next month when he will be sentenced.