75-Year-Old Child Sex Offender Sentenced at Antrim Crown Court
David Harper Jailed for Child Abuse Offences
David Harper, 75, was sentenced to two years at Antrim Crown Court on Friday. The convicted offender pleaded guilty to 20 charges, including attempted sexual communication with a child and possession, making, and distribution of indecent and extreme images of children.
Harper will serve 8 months in prison, followed by 16 months on licence. He is also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years and hit with a seven-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
Police Crack Down After Online Investigation
The charges stemmed from police uncovering Harper’s disturbing online activity. A search of his home saw multiple electronic devices seized for forensic analysis. Harper was arrested as part of a major probe into child exploitation.
This operation was led by the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Child Internet Protection Team, a specialised unit focused on tracking down online predators and protecting vulnerable victims.
Detective Inspector Highlights Police Commitment
“This conviction underscores the importance of relentless police work and the quality of evidence we gather,” said Detective Inspector Richard Vasey, who led the investigation.
He added police remain dedicated to pursuing all leads and safeguarding children from exploitation through ongoing vigilance and expert investigations.
