Police have praised the bravery of two teenage girls who spoke up after being sexually assaulted by a former Co Down band leader and music teacher.
Liam Rafferty, 75, from Mary Street in Downpatrick has been jailed for sexually assaulting the girls between 2012 and 2016.
He was sentenced to a total of 2.5 years on Wednesday, August 21 at Newtownards Crown Court for a total of nine offences against the youngsters.
The PSNI's Public Protection Branch have welcomed the sentence, half of which will be served on licence.
Detective Sergeant Nigel Sterritt said: "I welcome this sentence and I would like to commend the two young women for their bravery in coming forward and seeking justice.
"Seeing your case through the criminal justice system is a huge undertaking and they have both displayed immense courage and fortitude throughout.
"Our officers in PSNI Public Protection Branch are committed to investigating all reports of sexual offences against children and young people. Regardless of when an offence took place, we will seek to place offenders before the courts so they can be made amenable for their crimes.
"We have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and respect. I would continue to encourage anyone who has experienced any form of sexual abuse to contact police on 101."
The former band leader denied the charges, but was found guilty of 7 counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of sexual assault following a two-week trial last June.
He will also be subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
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