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BBC journalists Kelly Bonner and Barry O’Connor reported on the case of Oliver James MacCormack, a man convicted of human trafficking, whose sentence was recently increased by two years. MacCormack had originally received a seven-year sentence, with half to be served in jail and half on licence, but senior judges deemed this term to be “unduly lenient.” As a result, MacCormack will now serve a total of nine years for his crimes, which included multiple counts of human trafficking, drug trafficking, controlling prostitution for gain, intimidation, and perverting the course of justice.
Rebecca Whyte, one of MacCormack’s victims, shared her harrowing experience of meeting him while in a relationship with a drug dealer. She described how MacCormack introduced her to heroin, leading to addiction and loss. Whyte emphasized that MacCormack used drugs as a means to control her, forcing her into prostitution and creating a sense of dependency. She highlighted his manipulative tactics and predatory behavior, pointing out that his age should not mitigate the severity of his actions.
In court, Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan condemned MacCormack for portraying himself as a savior while being a calculated abuser of vulnerable young women. The court heard about nine victims in the Greater Belfast area, some of whom were minors when the offenses occurred. MacCormack targeted his victims by supplying illegal drugs, making them reliant on him, and manipulating them into sex work. The Public Prosecution Service challenged MacCormack’s original sentence, arguing that it did not adequately reflect the seriousness of his crimes and the need for deterrence.
Ultimately, the appeal judges agreed that MacCormack’s sentence was “unduly lenient” and increased it to nine years, to be split between custody and licence. The case was described as the most serious seen in Northern Ireland to date, highlighting the importance of holding perpetrators like MacCormack accountable and deterring similar behavior in the community. The victims, like Rebecca Whyte, continue to grapple with the lasting impact of his actions, emphasizing the need for justice and recognition of the harm caused
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