Oliver MacCormack, 71, was sentenced on 10 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.

Stephen Herron, the director of public prosecutions, is to refer the sentence to the Court of Appeal.

A spokesperson for the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) 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.

“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.”