In 2025, the Offender Database recorded that 32-year-old Neil McFaul walked free from court despite pleading guilty to the violent sexual assault of a woman in her own home. McFaul—of Village Hill Mews, Ballyclare, County Antrim—pleaded guilty to sexual assault and assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH). It was reported that the investigation began in July 2023 after the victim, who had been threatened with loyalist paramilitaries to keep her silent, bravely contacted the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
The investigation established that McFaul’s “nice guy mask” slipped minutes after entering the victim’s home in Randalstown. Antrim Crown Court heard that McFaul punched the woman in the face before pulling her trousers down, placing her over his knee, and repeatedly striking her. The prosecution reported that the assault lasted for an hour, leaving the victim with black and blue bruising to her buttocks and breasts, while McFaul threatened her with the UVF if she contacted “the boys”—referring to the police.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that McFaul initially claimed the sexual contact was consensual before changing his plea to guilty for the sexual assault and ABH charges. Antrim Crown Court heard that he was acquitted of two charges of rape, sexual assault by penetration, and causing a person to engage in sexual activity. The investigation established that the victim was left suicidal and was forced to move house and quit two jobs due to the trauma, which included sleeping with a bat in her bedroom for protection.
Judge-led proceedings concluded on 29 September 2025, with McFaul being spared a custodial sentence. For his actions in Ballyclare and Randalstown, he was handed an 18-month probation order and 100 hours of community service as part of a combination order. The judge noted that McFaul, who was described by his solicitor as being from a “good family” with no previous convictions, must undergo drug and alcohol treatment and is banned from contacting the victim or her family.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Northern Ireland, the status of Neil McFaul as of April 4, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: NON-CUSTODIAL (Walked free from court; sentenced September 2025).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active until 2030 (5-year term).
- Probation Status: 18-month probation order active until March 2027.
- Community Service: 100 hours of unpaid work active.
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Sexual assault; Assault causing ABH; 2 counts total).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Antrim Crown Court; investigated by the PSNI.
- Criminal Record: Punching a woman in the face; Violent assault of a 37-year-old; UVF threats.
- Origin: Village Hill Mews, Ballyclare, County Antrim.
Monitoring and Public Protection
McFaul is managed as a registered sex offender within the Ballyclare area. Due to the nature of his conduct—which involved a violent, hour-long physical and sexual assault followed by threats involving a paramilitary organisation—his management is a priority for the PSNI Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his probation order requires him to live at an approved address and inform officers of any new relationships, providing a level of oversight for potential future partners.
As a registered sex offender, the 32-year-old’s details are permanently logged on the national police database for a five-year period. Authorities state that he must comply with all directions regarding substance abuse treatment and maintain zero contact with the survivor. Any failure to notify police of his movements in County Antrim, any breach of his probation terms, or any unauthorized proximity to the victim will result in immediate arrest and the potential for a prison sentence to be imposed to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from his demonstrated pattern of violent sexual behaviour.
QUESTION – Given that the offender used threats of paramilitary involvement to silence his victim, do you believe that “Witness Intimidation” involving named organisations should carry a mandatory minimum prison sentence, regardless of the offender’s previous character?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.