Man jailed at Derry Crown Court after found guilty of getting into bed beside a 13-year-old girl

A man has been jailed at Derry Crown Court after being found guilty of breaking into a house, undressing and getting into bed beside a 13-year-old girl.

Jamie Patrick Samuel Devlin (33) of Old Rectory Park in Cookstown was convicted after a 4 day trial of trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence and sexual assault on December 27 2019.

The offences took place in what Judge Philip Babington described as 'a small South Derry town'.

The 13-year-old victim was in her bed in the early hours of December 27 and woke up to see a man in her room who raised his finger to his lips and told her to shush before climbing into bed with her.

She said she could see his bare legs. 

The girl said the man started 'rubbing her with his hands' before she was able to escape and alert her mother and father who detained Devlin.

During her cross examination it was suggested to her that nothing sexual had occurred and she replied 'he was without clothes - I was 13.'

It was established that Devlin had gained access through an open window and his shoes and jeans were found 'folded neatly at the bottom of the stairs.'

When interviewed Devlin said he had no recollection of the incident due to the alcohol he had consumed but said it was something 'he would never do.'

Judge Babington said the incident had 'an adverse impact on the girl' and left her 'angrier than any child should be'. 

Devlin was said to have demonstrated 'deep regret and remorse' but still maintains he had little or no memory of what happened. 

The judge said Devlin was entitled to no credit as he had made his victim testify and be subject to cross-examination. 

Devlin was sentenced to 3 years with half in custody and half on licence. 

He must sign the Sex Offender's Register for an indefinite period and is subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order also for an indefinite period.