Following the conviction and sentence of Aiden McMahon at a Court of General Gaol Delivery, Detective Sergeant Nick Haxby from the Public Protection Unit said:

“On the 1st Oct 2016 every parent’s worst nightmare became a reality, when the young victim had the courage to tell his parents that he had been a victim of a serious sexual offence. The victim a 10 year old innocent child had been abused in the worst possible way by someone whom he and his parents trusted. The child had the courage to tell someone what had happened, but also the courage to later tell the Police.

Aiden McMahon was arrested, interviewed and charged with the offence of rape on the 3rd October 2016. On Friday 7th July he has been convicted and sentenced for that offence, and I am hoping that this sentence will come as some level of closure for the family.

I would like to thank the family for their continued support throughout this extremely upsetting and traumatic period and I would also like to thank the officers within PPU who have dealt with this matter with the upmost sensitivity and compassion in particular the officer in the case DC 273 Lissa Barklie and the prosecutor at the Attorney Generals Chamber, Ms Rachael Braidwood who have both worked tirelessly for the family.

Being the victim of any form of sexual offence is extremely traumatic and upsetting; I would encourage any victim of any form of sexual abuse to speak with officers from the Public Protection Unit at Police Headquarters. The officers will be able to offer support, guidance and advice and support those victims throughout any Police investigation. “