Witness appeal – abuse by former school welfare officer and Army cadet leader Neil Beckett

I represent an individual who was subjected to sexual abuse by her army cadet leader Neil Beckett, while she was a member of the 2nd (Northern Ireland) Battalion ACF in Belfast. The abuse occurred from 2014 until 2016.

My client disclosed the abuse to the police in Northern Ireland in 2023.  The police at that time were already investigating Beckett in relation to allegations of abuse by multiple other young women.  A trial was held in October 2024 involving 11 victims. Beckett was convicted of 16 counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual grooming and jailed for three years. The charges against him related to seven pupils at Lagan College in south Belfast, where Beckett was employed as a welfare officer, and two army cadets, spanning 2015 to 2023.

The abuse my client suffered at the hands of Beckett has had a profound effect on her life over the years, and she is now seeking justice and closure through a civil claim for compensation in the High Court.

I am appealing for witnesses on behalf of my client who may be able to assist with our investigations.  It is clear from the number of victims involved in the criminal trial that Beckett was a prolific abuser.  It is possible that there are more victims who have not yet felt able to come forward and speak about abuse by Beckett at Lagan College or at the Cadets group in Belfast.

If you have any information in relation to Neil Beckett that might assist my client in her pursuit of justice, please contact me directly by email: emmabarrow@bbkllp.co.uk or by telephone +447879 222029.

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