Woman Accused of Indecent Assault on Boy More Than Three Decades Ago, Case Proceeds to Crown Court in Belfast

Mary O’Neill, aged 61, faces six charges of indecently assaulting a boy dating back to 1986. The alleged assaults are said to have occurred on six separate occasions between May 1986 and December 1989, all involving the same boy

Last week, O’Neill appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court for a hearing regarding the charges. The court sent the case to Belfast Crown Court for further proceedings.

According to court documents, O’Neill, residing on Ligoniel Road in north Belfast, is accused of committing indecent assaults against the child. However, specific dates within the mentioned timeframe remain undisclosed.

District Judge Steven Keown presided over the hearing and released O’Neill on bail under her recognizance.

She is required to appear at Belfast Crown Court later, which has yet to be determined.

The case highlights the enduring nature of legal processes in addressing historical allegations of abuse, shedding light on the complexities and challenges faced by both the accused and the legal system in dealing with incidents from decades past.