I know many people across Lagan Valley, and indeed across Northern Ireland, will be deeply shocked and horrified today. I know many of us are reeling from the despicable and vile criminal behaviour that has come to light during this case. I know many of us feel fundamentally betrayed.
Today is the day for the victims.
Today, I know our support and our thoughts will be with the victims of the appalling abuse. To have to go through a trial to get justice only adds to the trauma they have experienced. It takes a huge amount of courage for the victims of such abuse to come forward to pursue justice.
I have made tackling sexual abuse and violence against women and girls central to the work I do, that has been the case from the moment I took up this post and I will continue to do so.
Combating this terrible evil must be a priority for us all.
@SorchaEastwood I love you have fire in your belly. I'm not an Alliance supporter but your passion is unreal. So glad you mentioned apprenticeships, we need those back properly. Most kids can't get placement because employers have to pay a wage from 1st Yr. YTP schemes worked and can again.
@TheTruth2_2@BrunoTheKing7 Unionist here, from the shankill. Some of the same kids attacked my son in recent times. They are feral and need a good slap.
@Carlislemegs@ChelseaTru33481@supraman0511@CrimeLdn Same kids attacked my son the other week and I'm from the shankill they are fucking feral hit that's down to parenting not where they got brought up. I'd would batter my own kids if they behaved like this, like most people from Shankill have said on a post that was on FB.
@Tamthebam2000@CrimeLdn The fella who's car they attacked is also from Shankill. Grown man standing filming, the whalloper. These kids are terrorising the place and other kids.