Sex abuse church elder McConaghy 'too fat for jail'

A 66-year-old church elder convicted of indecently assaulting a child will not be sent to jail because his obesity means his health is "precarious".

John William McConaghy, from Urbal Road, Dervock, County Antrim, was found guilty of indecent assault.

Judge David Smyth at Antrim Crown Court suspended a two-and-a-half year term.

He said McConaghy's lack of mobility, ulcerated legs and need for frequent dressings amounted to "wholly exceptional circumstances".

The jail term was suspended for three years and a £10,000 fine was also imposed.

During a 10-day trial in October McConaghy's victim, who is now 44, said she was indecently assaulted from the age of around 10 until she was 18.

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