A seven year prison term for a man who plied victims with heroin and then used them for sexual services is gonna be challenged for being “unduly lenient,” it has been announced. Who woulda thought, right? The Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Herron, is gonna refer the sentence imposed on 71-year-old Oliver MacCormack last month for sexually exploiting and trafficking vulnerable young women to the Court of Appeal. MacCormack got sentenced on 10th April 2025 in Belfast Crown Court to seven years’ imprisonment for 40 counts 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.
In a statement issued by the PSNI following McCormack’s sentencing, Detective Inspector Rachel Miskelly said: “The women, who were mainly trafficked around the Greater Belfast area, were vulnerable due to mental health issues, homelessness and their dependency on drugs. “MacCormack targeted a total of nine female victims. He supplied the young women with drugs, ensuring that, over time, they would become dependent upon him for their supply of heroin. He groomed and encouraged them to become involved in sex work, and controlled their prostitution by arranging meetings with sex buyers, transporting them to and from appointments. The defendant, himself, also engaged in sexual acts with the individuals.” The detective added: “It’s hard for most of us to truly imagine what trauma these girls have endured.”
Now, announcing the intention to appeal his sentence on Wednesday, a Public Prosecution Service spokesperson said: “While sentencing is a matter for the independent judiciary, the Director of Public Prosecutions does have the power to refer particular sentences to the Court of Appeal on the grounds that they may be unduly lenient. “An unduly lenient sentence is one that falls outside the range of sentences that a judge, taking into consideration all relevant factors and having regard to sentencing guidance, could reasonably impose. The sentence must not just be lenient, but unduly lenient. “We recognise the significant public interest in this case. However, it is important to underline that the PPS can only refer a sentence to the Court of Appeal for consideration when there is a legal ground to do so.” The spokesperson continued: “After careful consideration of the sentence handed down in the case of Oliver MacCormack, including with the benefit of advices from independent Senior Counsel, we have determined that there is a sufficient legal basis to refer the sentence to the Court of Appeal. “We have taken steps to inform the victims and the next of kin of the deceased victim of the decision to refer the sentence. We will keep them informed of the outcome of the Court of Appeal’s consideration.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here. Story Saved. You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
