A husband and wife from East Belfast were sentenced today (Thursday) for historic drug and sexual abuse charges committed against a child.
William and Linda Sale - who have acted as foster parents and are grandparents - appeared at Belfast Crown Court where they were sentenced by Judge Sandra Crawford. The couple, from Clonduff Drive, were convicted last year of offences they committed over two decades ago.
William Sale, 50, was found guilty by a jury on two counts of indecently assaulting a female child on dates between June 2, 2000 and June 2, 2004. Despite the jury’s verdict, the former soldier continues to deny his guilt - and was handed a 14-month jail term today.
A five-year restraining order which bans him from contacting his victim was also imposed and he was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.
His wife 51-year old Linda - a support worker in a mental health unit for the Belfast Trust - was convicted of attempting to supply the Class A drug Ecstasy over the same period. Judge Crawford imposed a 12-month sentence upon her which was suspended for three years.
Prior to the Judge passing sentence, the court heard that the couple were found guilty following a trial held last September. During the trial, the victim and her friend both gave evidence about what happened over 20 years ago.
Both women said that when they were aged between 11 and 13, they were given Ecstasy by Linda Sale whilst in the couple’s home. The victim also recalled two separate incidents where she was sexually abused by William Sale in the couple’s bedroom.
The Crown did not make the case that William Sale was aware that the child had taken drugs, nor was it suggested that Linda Sale knew her husband had sexually abused the child. The Judge also revealed that the victim made a statement which set out the impact the offending has had upon her.
Judge Crawford said: “The victim suffered substantial harm, as might be expected exposing such a young child to drugs and sexual assault.”
Defence barrister Sean Mullan said his client William Sale had a number of physical and mental health issues. Pointing out the abuse was “non-penetrative” and both “relatively short” and “opportunistic”, Mr Mullan said no threats were issued.
The barrister also spoke of his client’s long working history, his “good standing” in the community and a complete lack of similar offending in the interim period.
Linda Sale’s barrister Rachael McCormick also cited “health concerns” regarding her client and the “good work” she had undertaken in the mental health sector.
Ms McCormick spoke of the passage of time since the offence, adding her client has a completely clear criminal record. During today’s sentence hearing, Judge Crawford addressed both defendants separately.
Regarding William Sale, the Judge said his offending against a child caused the victim “substantial harm”.
She told Sale his actions involved “the exploitation of a young girl who was entitled to be kept safe in your home”.
The Judge also noted that in the intervening period he had undertaken community work including involvement with youth football where he oversaw welfare and safe-guarding matters. Imposing the 14-month term of imprisonment, Judge Crawford said it was “significant” that he continues to deny any wrong-doing.
The Judge then addressed Linda Sale, noted she also continues to deny her guilt and told her: “Introducing drugs to someone and encouraging drug use and the corruption of young people in this fashion requires condign punishment.”
Whilst the Judge also spoke of the “caring” and “compassionate” work role undertaken by Linda Sale, she added: “By reason of this offending, the Social Care Council has imposed an interim suspension order.”
After the suspended sentence was imposed “by a narrow margin”, she was warned by the Judge of the consequences of any further offending over the next three years.
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