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He ended up pleading guilty to fraud in 2009 to avoid prison, and received a suspended sentence.

She is also the victim of a violent man who strangled her and received a suspended sentence.

Donna Louise said she was prepared to give her witness testimony in court, but at the last minute her attacker changed his plea to guilty and was handed a suspended sentence.

"For victims to go to court and for an abuser to get just a suspended sentence, it's unfair," she said.

The Lady Chief Justice told BBC News NI that "there is a perception amongst some that a suspended sentence is a 'let off', however, it acts as a deterrent measure", adding that there is a sentence "hanging over the offender which will be put into effect if they commit another offence".