SDLP man jailed for sex offences

A former SDLP councillor was yesterday jailed for two years for indecently assaulting two nine-year-old girls.

A former SDLP councillor was yesterday jailed for two years for indecently assaulting two nine-year-old girls.

Michael Cunningham, who resigned last month from his post as an SDLP representative on Newry and Mourne Council in Co Down, was also given a year's probation, which will be served after his release.

Cunningham (51), from Kilkeel, changed his plea and admitted 13 counts of abuse dating back to 1979 at his trial in Newry last month. He will have his details kept on the RUC's register of sex offenders.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter