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The husband of a registered childminder has been given an eight year sentence at Downpatrick Crown Court for abusing two children.

The offences were against two young girls who were being looked after by his wife.

Damien Craig, 64, a former senior civil servant from Bishop's Brae Avenue in Downpatrick, previously admitted six counts of sexual assault.

The court heard his actions have had "a fundamental effect" on the victims.

Judge Geoffrey Miller KC said: "There can be no doubt… they have been greatly harmed by the defendant's actions."

He earlier described their victim impact statements as "raw and visceral" where they spoke of the "utter betrayal they rightly feel, as the defendant was someone who they completely trusted."

With the victims' families playing their trust in Craig's wife, Judge Miller told the court he "took advantage of that situation to commit these acts, thus betraying the children, their families and also his own wife".

The court heard that Craig's sexually assaulted one of the victims twice in September 2022 and a second victim came forward when she saw media reports of his arrest and charge.

One victim has exhibited signs of distrust towards male figures in her life, the court heard, including her own father.

The other was described as having "experienced serious trauma", with a sense that "her childhood has been stolen by the abuse she suffered at the hands of the defendant".

On Monday, before the judge began his sentencing remarks, defence counsel Michael Boyd highlighted that Craig had entered guilty pleas at the first opportunity and until that, he had a clear record.

"He acknowledges that he will get a significant custodial sentence and indeed, he feels he deserves that," said Mr Boyd.

He added: "[His] good reputation in the community lies in tatters and he will have to live with the consequences."

Judge Miller sentenced Craig, acknowledging high culpability and harm but noting evidence indicating he was at low risk of reoffending.

Craig was told that, had he been convicted after a trial, he would have been sentenced to 12 years. The judge reduced the sentence to eight years, half in prison, half on licence, considering personal background and guilty pleas.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life and is subject to a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order.