Enniskillen man subjected sisters to ‘repeated abuse’ in 1970s

David Frances Collins (80) of Kilmacormick Road, Enniskillen, was sentenced at a sitting of Dungannon Crown Court at Newry today (Thursday).

In an earlier hearing, Collins was deemed unfit to stand trial, but a jury found that he had committed three acts of indecent assault, as well as two acts of gross indecency, on one sister.

The jury also agreed that he had committed one count of indecent assault and one count of gross indecency to another sister, Maud Clarke, who waived her right to anonymity.

The offences occurred between March 2, 1970 and April 1, 1974.

Judge Brian Sherrard said that a medical report had been provided for Collins, who had been deemed unfit to stand trial. Due to this, he said that it would be a "difficult sentencing exercise".

"The facts were dealt with at trial," the judge said. "The incidents took place in the early 1970s, when the defendant had access to the women, who were just girls.

"He was their brother-in-law, and ultimately Mr. Collins found himself in a position of trust with these girls. He abused this trust in the most outrageous manner."

The judge said that Maud's abuse took place when she started secondary school when she was in around 11. These events took place whenever she was babysitting in Collin's home. 

Another sister suffered abuse when she was aged "six or seven".

The offences occurred when when she was left with Collins in his home, when she was staying with him and his wife, and when she was "learning to swim at Castle Archdale."

Maud Clarke pictured outside Newry Courthouse. (Image: John McVitty)

The judge continued: "I wish to reflect that both of these women have suffered significantly from repeated abuse when they were children.

"The impact of the offending on them was clear from the evidence they gave in the course of the trial, and it is clear from victim impact statements.

"One aspect that really stands out is that (one sister) did make a complaint in the early 1970s, but not only was she not believed, but she was beaten as a result. We must be aware of the continuing ramifications of that fact.

"Maud has reminded me of the home environment she was brought up in, and the impact of (her sister) not being believed. She wrongly felt guilt. She was only a child, and she ought not to be blaming herself."

Judge Sherrard said he was "alert to the suffering that had been caused to both women", and said that he "wished to recognise their fortitude in coming forward to air this matter."

The judge added that as Collin had been found unfit to stand trial, the court was left with a "limited range of options concerning the disposal of this matter".

"I wish to reassure (you both) that the limited options aren't reflective of the outcome of the trial, but the Court's hands are largely tied," the judge said. 

"I want that to be understood. The way this court will dispose of the matter will not reflect on evidence given, or indeed the Court's conclusions with regards to Mr. Collins."

Judge Sherrard added that Collins had a clear criminal record, had raised his own raised his own family, and was currently in the care of his family.

The judge also referenced the fact that Collins had already been added to the sex offenders register for five years following the trial.

Judge Sherrard also said that the Independent Safeguarding Authority may include Collins in the Adult & Childrens' barred list as required under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007.

An absolute discharge was imposed. 

Judge Sherrard concluded: "I don't want Maud or (her sister) to be leaving the Court thinking that this matter has been dismissed out of hand.

"These are very serious matters. I want to reflect on the harm that has been caused by this offending. 

"I wish to signal my own recognition of your fortitude and strength in coming forward and bringing this matter to the Court's attention."

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