Woman’s warning after she was violently assaulted by Tyrone man

A YOUNG woman who was violently assaulted after meeting a Tyrone man on Tinder has urged others to report abuse.

Sophie (not her real name), now 24, was a Queen’s University student when the attack happened in March 2021.

What began as consensual sex quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal when her attacker bit her face and body before carrying out sexual acts without her consent.

She sustained bruising and injuries and later reported to police through The Rowan sexual assault referral centre.

“This incident has impacted my ability to form romantic relationships. I can’t be intimate with partners without a constant reminder of what happened,” she said.

“I support the work of the action plan and the recent police campaigning because I have experienced what it is like to have your rights stripped away. Too many men in our society blur the lines of consent. The only way to stop this is to educate boys and men – and for women like me to feel supported enough to report.”

Her attacker, 25-year-old Fearghall Joseph Mulgrew, of Mullaghmoyle Road, Stewartstown, was convicted in February at Laganside Court of sexual assault by penetration and five counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was sentenced to 22 months, with eight in custody, and placed on the sex offenders register for ten years.

The case was highlighted as the PSNI marked the third anniversary of its Tackling VAWG (violence against women and girls) Action Plan, first launched in September 2022.

Since then, police have made 5,042 arrests under new legislation covering domestic abuse, stalking and non-fatal strangulation. On average, 84 arrests are made each month for domestic abuse, 76 for non-fatal strangulation and 19 for stalking or threatening behaviour. Four Stalking Protection Orders have also been issued.

In the year to July 2025, there were 21,729 VAWG offences recorded – a four per-cent drop compared to the previous 12 months.

Detective Chief Inspector Leah Crothers said, “We remain committed to preventing harm, calling out unacceptable attitudes and protecting women and girls wherever they live – in towns, cities and rural communities. Tackling VAWG requires commitment from all – where perpetrators are held to account, communities stand together, and we work with partners to make every space safe.”