A north Belfast grandfather who was jailed last week for a series of sex offences against children is recovering in hospital after attempting suicide.

Jackie McGarry, who was jailed for six years for abusing 20 girls over a period of two decades, is understood to have slit his wrists with a razor in Maghaberry prison, Co Antrim.

McGarry (67) was taken from his prison cell to an outside hospital on Tuesday. A prison spokesman confirmed that an inmate was taken to hospital suffering from self inflicted wounds. Other sources said that the prisoner was McGarry. He is not believed to have been seriously injured.

He pleaded guilty to 61 sex offences including indecent assault and gross indecency against children. The offences took place at his home in Ardoyne.