Publication date:
A man who sexually exploited vulnerable young women for financial gain was sentenced to seven years imprisonment, which will be divided equally between prison and licence, at Belfast Crown Court today. Oliver MacCormack (71) had previously pleaded guilty to 40 charges relating to nine female victims.
The charges included human trafficking, controlling prostitution, obtaining sexual services for payment, being concerned in or offering to supply class A drugs, intimidation and perverting the course of justice.
The case arose following a major Police Service of Northern Ireland investigation into human trafficking for sexual exploitation in the Greater Belfast area. Today’s outcome follows the sentencing of Kenneth Harvey (74) and Robert Rodgers (79), who were sentenced in October 2024.
PPS Senior Public Prosecutor Kirsten McKevitt, a human trafficking specialist prosecutor with the PPS Serious Crime Unit, said:
“This is a harrowing case involving the exploitation of vulnerable young women, some of whom were teenagers when MacCormack targeted them. Many of the victims were estranged from their families and living in hostels, and all were struggling with addiction at the time of MacCormack’s offending. He callously preyed on their vulnerabilities, posing as a friend but with the aim of manipulating them into sex work.
“As well as controlling these activities, he engaged in sexual acts with some. The women also used the money they were paid to purchase heroin from MacCormack, continuing the cycle of dependency and exploitation.
“I want to commend all the women who bravely spoke out about the abuse and exploitation they experienced. Their accounts were central to the case and ultimately led to the outcome today.
“The PPS Serious Crime Unit worked closely with officers from the PSNI Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Unit from an early stage in their investigation. We wove together the various strands of evidence included the women’s accounts and evidence as to the defendant’s previous bad character to present a strong case which resulted in the guilty pleas. Keeping vulnerable victims engaged in a prosecution of this nature is vital, and I want to acknowledge the work of police in encouraging the victims to stay with the criminal justice process to its conclusion.
“As this case shows, for most people, selling sexual services is not truly a free choice. Even when they escape their situation, many are left traumatised. Anyone paying for sexual services should know that they are contributing to the exploitation of another human being and, in many cases, the profits of human traffickers.
“Our specially trained human trafficking prosecutors understand how daunting it can be for victims of these type of offences to report their experiences to police. I want to appeal to people who think they may be victims to please take the first step and contact police. You will be treated sensitively and with respect at all times. Police and prosecutors work in partnership to investigate and bring suspects who exploit vulnerable people before the courts, where there is the evidence to do so.”
Notes to editors:
All cases involving allegations of human trafficking are dealt with in accordance with the PPS Policy for Prosecuting Cases of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
Visit the Human Trafficking page on the Police Service of Northern Ireland website for more information on the signs of human trafficking to look out for: https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/advice-and-information/modern-slavery-and-human-trafficking
If you see or hear any activity that causes you concern, please contact police. In an emergency call 999; 101 in a non-emergency; or call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 012 1700.
Media queries for the PPS should be referred to the Communications Unit by emailing ppspressoffice@ppsni.gov.uk inside office hours. The out of hours press officer can be contacted on 07920 271804, 07920 418844 or 07341 800254.