In 2022, David Joseph McMullan, the Downpatrick Paedophile (35), was jailed at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday after admitting to four counts of child rape involving a victim under the age of 16. He was issued a lifelong sexual harm prevention order.
David Joseph McMullan, residing at Demesne View in Downpatrick, was apprehended in Northern Ireland in March of this year and subsequently charged with several offences committed between 2019 and 2021 in Wirral, Merseyside.
The inquiry commenced following the victim’s disclosure to law enforcement that David Joseph McMullan had groomed and assaulted her.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Jennifer Davies, who spearheaded the investigation, stated: “Primarily, I wish to emphasise the resilience of the victim, both in reporting David Joseph McMullan’s egregious offences and throughout the challenging judicial proceedings.” Her resolve and courage have guaranteed that McMullan will now endure a substantial period of incarceration.
No penalty can rectify the profound harm that McMullan’s abuse has inflicted and continues to inflict on his victim’s life. We anticipate witnessing him face justice today will provide her with a semblance of closure and enable her to progress in her life, assured that he poses no further threat to others.
“This investigation was extensive and intricate, and we would also like to express our gratitude to the CPS for the exemplary guidance provided throughout the process, which led us to this successful outcome.” The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has rendered substantial assistance during the investigation, underscoring the significance of cross-border collaboration among police services to ensure the prosecution of perpetrators.
We are dedicated to safeguarding victims of sexual offences, ensuring that anyone who reports an occurrence receives protection and support throughout the inquiry.
Individuals who have experienced a sexual offence, are apprehensive about the safety of an acquaintance, or suspect someone of participating in such criminal behaviour, should come forward and communicate with us. Our team of committed professionals will proficiently and empathetically address your reports, and we will use every effort to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Councillor Kathy Hodson, Chair of Wirral’s Children, Young People, and Education Committee, stated: “These were reprehensible crimes committed against a highly vulnerable young individual who has demonstrated remarkable resilience.” I want to commend the professionalism of the Police and Catch 22 in assisting the youngster and ensuring the criminal is brought to justice.
Wirral Council and safety partners are dedicated to addressing all kinds of child abuse, with Child Sexual Exploitation remaining a priority. We can all contribute to the prevention of child exploitation. I urge readers to explore our safeguarding children partnership website to learn more about our specialised ‘Compass’ service, identify indicators of exploitation, and contribute to protecting our children.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Wendy Scott, an expert in the CPS Mersey-Cheshire’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) section, stated: “David McMullan is a predatory paedophile who is now, fortunately, incarcerated.” The Crown Prosecution Service’s efforts to secure his prosecution ensued from a thorough and intricate investigation conducted by Merseyside Police.
DC Jennifer Davies, the supervising police officer, collaborated closely with me and prosecution counsel Frank Dillon to construct a robust case against David Joseph McMullan, leading to his guilty pleas for four counts of rape.
David Joseph McMullan manipulated his victim and engaged in multiple meetings with her before the commission of the charges. Regardless of what he said to his victim, it constituted abuse and the violation of a minor. Individuals like David Joseph McMullan completely disregard the emotions of their victims. They are simply a tool for achieving a goal.
“However, their actions can have a lasting impact on the victim’s life.” The CPS could not have initiated this prosecution without the victim’s fortitude to report the incident and provide testimony.
She received assistance during the prosecution process to ensure her abuser was held accountable and has safeguarded other potential victims from harm. Presenting a case of this nature in Court necessitates a collaborative effort, and we will persist in our joint endeavours to secure justice for the victims of these transformative crimes.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the people highlighted on this website, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report to Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.