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A 55-year-old woman from Ballynahinch has been sentenced for breaching a lifetime ban on reporting the identity of an alleged victim of sexual offending. Donna Toman was sentenced at Downpatrick Magistrates’ Court and received a three-month custodial sentence. She had been convicted of an offence contrary to Section 5(1) of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.
The court heard that on 26 June 2026 Toman published a Facebook Reel which was likely to lead members of the public to identify or misidentify victims in the Donaldson case held at Newry Courthouse.
Detective Inspector Danielle Moffett said victims of sexual abuse are given lifetime anonymity for a good reason.
“Victims of sexual abuse are afforded lifetime anonymity for very good reason,” she said. “The protection of anonymity is an important part of our criminal justice system and helps protect victims from further harm, intrusion and distress.
“In this case, material was published online which was likely to lead members of the public to identify victims who have a legal right to anonymity.
“This case should serve as a clear warning that what people post, share or speculate about online can have very real consequences.
“Social media is not a place where the normal rules do not apply. Publishing information which could identify a protected victim can be a criminal offence.”
Det Insp Moffett said police had previously warned about the dangers of online speculation in relation to the case. “We have previously warned about the dangers of online speculation in relation to this case. I would repeat that message today: do not speculate about the identity of victims of sexual abuse and do not share material which could assist others in identifying them.
“Most importantly, I would ask people to think about the impact that speculation and sharing can have on victims. Someone who has already experienced sexual abuse should not have to face the additional trauma of having their potential identity discussed or exposed online.
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates that there can be consequences for those who disregard these protections.”
