A Derry man has been jailed for seven years for sexually abusing a 12-year-old schoolboy. Sentencing Joseph Gerard Lewis (49) from Lislane Drive in the Creggan, Mr Justice Sheil said Lewis had physically abused and threatened his victim. Lewis had denied the charges.

Belfast Crown Court had heard that Lewis had buggered and indecently assaulted the youngster in front of others and had threatened to knife the boy as he pleaded for mercy.

A second Derry man, John David Harkin, also from Circular Road in the Creggan, was jailed for four years after pleading guilty to sexually abusing the schoolboy and indecently assaulting and buggering a second youth.