A former boxer chased a boy down an alleyway in north Belfast and sexually assaulted him, Belfast Crown Court has heard.
Ciaran James McAuley, who was living in a hostel on Belfast’s Victoria Street at the time of the incident on August 9th, 2014, admitted a single charge of sexually assaulting the boy (nine) in the New Lodge area of Belfast.
The court heard McAuley (27) has accepted that his sexual interest towards children is inappropriate. He is also facing separate charges alleging contact with a young boy on Facebook.
Crown prosecutor Philip Henry said victim of the assault and his friend had been at the local shop after attending a fun fair and were walking back to his house when he was chased by McAuley.
Mr Henry said McAuley grabbed the boy, forced him to the ground and sexually assaulted him. The victim’s friend fled and raised the alarm. The defendant then ran off.
Police were given a description of the attacker and 10 days later two women who knew the victim’s family saw a person who matched it. After contacting a third person, McAuley was confronted. Police were called and McAuley was arrested.
Despite being identified by the victim, McAuley initially denied the offence to police. However, he later pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the boy.
Defence barrister Joel Linsday acknowledged the “snatch and grab” incident was a “horrific experience” for the young victim.
After completing his studies and boxing at a high level including at 2006 Commonwealth Games, McAuley’s downfall, the barrister said, began when he started taking drugs. This led to a fall-out with his parents, a period of homelessness and then a period in hostel accommdation.
The barrister said McAuley now recognises his “sexual interests towards children are inappropriate” and he would be “willing to engage in work to address these deficits.”
Judge Kerr QC remanded McAuley in custody and is to sentence him on Wednesday.
*Following reports of the case, a representative from the Commonwealth Games told the Belfast Telegraph that McAuley had never particated in the games.