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Shaun Keenan

Calls for convicted sex abuser Jim McKeever to resign seat on Derry and Strabane council

SDLP councillor Brian Tierney has called on Jim McKeever to resign his seat on Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The former deputy mayor of Derry was remanded into custody last week after he was convicted by a jury of historic sex abuse against a young girl.

Despite his protestations of innocence, James McKeever - who was suspended from the SDLP when the sexual allegations came to light - was found guilty of eight offences.

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The 63-year old, from Tamneyreagh Park in Eglinton, stood trial at Belfast Crown Court on seven counts of indecently assaulting a young girl, and two counts of gross indecency with or towards a child.

He was suspended from the SDLP when the allegations emerged and expelled following his conviction.

The SDLP Council Group Leader Brian Tierney said it was time for Mr McKeever "to do the right thing" and resign his seat on the council.

He said: “Following his conviction for child sexual abuse last week it is time for Jim McKeever to do the right thing and resign his seat on Derry City and Strabane District Council.

"He has been convicted of some of the most horrendous crimes imaginable and he is unfit to serve or represent the people of our city. It is deeply regrettable that he has not already taken the decision to stand down.

“I speak for everyone in the SDLP when I offer my support and solidarity to the victim who came forward last week and detailed the ordeal she suffered at the hands of McKeever over a number of years.

"It was incredibly brave to share her experience and I hope it will give other victims and survivors of abuse the strength to come forward and seek justice for themselves.

“While I know it can be a very difficult and traumatic experience, particularly for those who suffered abuse as young children, anyone who discloses abuse will be treated with respect and dignity and directed to the proper services to support them.

"There can be no hiding place for abusers within our society," added Cllr Tierney.

Read more: Man arrested in Strabane after video emerges of 'masked gunman firing shots in cemetery'

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