In a significant legal development, a 39-year-old man from the Belfast area, Stephen Dalton, was sentenced today at Laganside Crown Court for charges of rape and sexual assault. The court imposed a six-year and six-month sentence, with Dalton set to serve three years and three months in custody and an additional three years and three months on licence.
Dalton’s actions targeted a vulnerable young woman who had become separated from her friends, according to Detective Constable Grant. The court heard that Dalton’s actions were characterised by callousness and a complete disregard for consent, emphasising that consent is paramount, and any violation amounts to rape.
The court also ruled that Dalton be placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and be subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for 10 years. These measures aim to monitor and restrict Dalton’s activities, safeguarding the community from potential harm.
Detective Constable Grant commended a passer-by who intervened during the incident and acknowledged the victim’s bravery in cooperating with detectives throughout the investigation. The Police Service of Northern Ireland stressed its commitment to taking all reports of sexual assault seriously, urging victims to come forward and report incidents, assuring them of respectful and dignified treatment.
