The 17-year-old waived her right to anonymity to reveal the abuse she suffered at the hands of Sloan, who sobbed after he was jailed for 12 years at Belfast Crown Court on Friday.

"His tears were tears of guilt - I've no doubt about it. I think the reality of prison is now starting to hit 'Snowy'," said Amanda, who was just 15 when Sloan abused her.

"We weren't expecting the sentence he received, and we are delighted with it. That's why it was worthwhile Amanda coming forward in the first place.

"The people who claimed he was innocent should be ashamed of themselves, because they also have children too. I think it is pathetic the amount of people he had supporting him in the court.

Sloan, who was a member of the Crimson Star Flute Band at the time of the offences, was found guilty in September of forcing Amanda to give him oral sex, caressing her breasts and kissing and fondling her.

The sex abuse victim also responded to Sloan's barrister's vow to investigate claims made by Amanda in an exclusive interview with this newspaper last month.

Added Amanda: "I obviously couldn't remember every single detail about what happened to me when I made my statement to the police. Things came back to me during my interview with the Sunday Life.

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