Survivor of child sex abuse by Bushmills man glad he will be known as 'a child abuser and predator'

The victim was speaking after 26-year-old Curtis Archibald from Bushmills was convicted of 11 counts of indecent child abuse.

They included sexual communication with a child, causing or inciting a child between the ages of 13 and 16 to engage in sexual activity, possessing an indecent photograph of a child and threatening to disclose private sexual images.

As a result Antrim Crown Court sentenced him, today, to three years - partly custodial and partly on license.

He has also been given a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for seven years.

Speaking after the sentencing, Archibald's victim issued a statement about the impact of his abuse.

“I didn’t have a childhood, he took that from me," she said. "He took any innocence I had and robbed me of it. I have to live with the trauma of his abuse for the rest of my life. Speaking out was the hardest thing I’ve ever done but I don’t regret it. I am glad that today the truth won and he will be known now for what he is, a child abuser and predator.

“I would encourage anyone out there who has gone through something similar as me to speak out. I wasn’t believed by my own family but the police believed me and treated me with sensitivity and respect. You will be too. Don’t be scared, you are not alone.”

"Parents/guardians and wider local communities should report any activity, online or physical towards a child that they find concerning. Similarly if you have been the victim of recent or non-recent child abuse please report to Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency."

The case came to light on 5 February 2024 when police received a report from a concerned adult that a child (Curtis’ younger sister) was going to meet the defendant.

When questioned, the child stated that she had been forced to send him images of herself which he was threatening to share.

Archibald was then arrested and charged following examination of his digital devices.

Speaking afther the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Claire Gilbert said Archibald groomed the girl from a young age and preyed on her vulnerabilities.

"He built trust with her so he could abuse her and then threaten her for his own perverted sexual gain," she said.

“I want to thank the immense bravery of the victim in this case for assisting us in our investigation and bringing her abuser before the courts today. Child predators like Archibald have no place in our communities and we will do everything in our power to ensure they are brought to justice.

“I also want to take the time to thank the concerned adult who acted on their suspicions and reported to us so that safeguarding action could be taken to protect the victim from any further harm. We rely on our local communities to be vigilant and be the voice for a child who doesn’t yet have the courage to speak up for themselves.

“Let this sentencing serve as another warning to those perpetrating child sexual abuse, we are working every day to break down reporting barriers and encourage victims to come forward.”