Ciara Dempsey, SDLP chair for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, was 14 when Kenneth Rutherford, nearly 40, began grooming her. He falsely claimed to be in his early 20s and undergoing cancer treatment. Rutherford picked her up from school and gave her gifts while driving her in luxury cars.

Dempsey became pregnant at 15. Rutherford attended her hospital appointments as the baby's father. Teachers witnessed the school pickups. A probation officer visited Rutherford's home and saw Dempsey with her infant. None of these professionals reported concerns.

Abuse included physical assaults such as strangling, breaking three of Dempsey's ribs, and attempting to drop a wardrobe on her baby. Dempsey intervened to protect the child. Rutherford also used psychological tactics, displaying a gun, referencing paramilitary contacts, and threatening self-harm or arson against her family home.

Dempsey contacted police after the wardrobe incident when her baby was weeks old, nearly 20 years ago. Rutherford received a prison sentence in 2016. The court noted his prior record for offenses against an underage female and high risk of reoffending. He had restrictions against contact with anyone under 18.

Dempsey gave birth three weeks before her GCSE exams and failed them due to Rutherford keeping her occupied with the baby. She later completed a law degree, married Alexander Dempsey, and now raises a family. She received counseling from House of Hope in Dromore.