AN elderly former Jehovah's Witness who sexually abused a young girl in the the church in the late 1970s has avoided jail after his 18-month jail term was suspended for two years given his age, poor health, guilty pleas, and previous clear record.
Charles Frederick Loyal (77), from Weaveney Heights, Belfast, who is also the sole carer for his registered blind wife, had pleaded guilty to 12 charges of indecently assaulting the child when she was aged eight to ten, and he in his late 30s.
Belfast Recorder Judge David McFarland said normally such offending required a custodial sentences for those who abuse children, and while he would not reduce his 12 concurrent 18-month sentences, given the mitigating factors, which also included an unexplained delay in the case, he would suspend the prison terms.
Prosecution lawyer Kate McKay had told Belfast Crown Court that the abuse had taken place in a number of locations, including church meetings when Loyal would hold bible classes, although he did not hold a position within the church. Ms McKay said that the indecent assaults involved Loyal touching the girl outside her clothing, and him getting her to do likewise.
The court also heard that Loyal's guilty pleas were greatly welcomed, particularly for his former victim.
Defence QC Richard Weir said the guilty pleas of a shamed Loyal, had provided the vindication sought by his victim, and that following his public public confession for his utterly reprehensible behaviour he had lost his reputation within the church and society.
Mr Weir said while initially he had been equivocal, this was because of the shame he felt but now he had publicly recognised the wrong he had done. However, given his age, and ill-health it was unlikely Loyal, with a good work record, would re-offend in the future.
