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

"There can be no hiding place for abusers within our society.”

Jim McKeever

Social Democratic and Labour Party councillor Brian Tierney have 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 a jury convicted him of historical sex abuse against a young girl.

Despite his protestations of innocence, James McKeever - suspended from the Social Democratic and Labour Party when the sexual allegations became known - was found guilty of eight offences.

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 Social Democratic and Labour Party when the allegations appeared and expelled following his conviction.

The Social Democratic and Labour Party 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. Regrettably, he has not already decided to stand down.

“I speak for everyone in the Social Democratic and Labour Party 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 several years.

"It was courageous 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 an exceedingly complex and traumatic experience, particularly for those who suffered abuse as young children, anyone who shows 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 Councillor Tierney.