Justice Served: Man Sentenced for Child Sex Offences

A 61-year-old Co Antrim man has been sentenced to more than six years in prison for historic sex offences against two children. Sentence Details

Herbert (Herbie) Balmer, of Colonsay Park, Ballymena, received a seven and a half year sentence at Antrim Crown Court on Thursday, March 13. He was convicted of 14 child sex offence charges and will serve six and a half years in prison followed by a year on probation. Balmer has also been subjected to a five year Sexual Offences Prevention Order. Court Findings

Balmer was found guilty of eight counts of indecent assault and six counts of gross indecency with or towards a child on dates between January 15, 1983 and January 16, 1991. Detective Chief Inspector Claire Gilbert praised the victims for their bravery in coming forward. She highlighted that the Police Service of Northern Ireland takes all sexual abuse allegations very seriously and emphasized the importance of reporting such incidents, no matter how long ago they occurred. Victims of sexual abuse were encouraged to contact the police on 101. Encouragement for Reporting

Detectives assured victims that sensitive and respectful treatment would be provided, with options for meetings arranged at convenient times and places. The message was clear - it is never too late to report sexual abuse and perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions.