The nine-year jail sentence handed down to a GAA coach who "destroyed" a boy's life through years of rape and physical abuse before trying to humiliate and control his victim by harassing him was too lenient, the State has told the Court of Appeal.
He had pleaded guilty in April 2021 to sample counts including attempted rape, seven counts of anal rape, four counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault causing harm and one of harassment at various locations in dates between 2004 and 2010. Counsel said the man, who cannot be named in order to protect the identity of his victim, made contact with the boy when he was in fourth class and began “grooming” his victim through sporting and other pursuits.
“Physical abuse was part and parcel of the whole continuum and extensive grooming began three years before the sexual assaults – the victim was a vulnerable child," said counsel. Tom O’Malley SC, defending, said the trial judge “gave a very careful and clear judgement and went through the facts in great detail and explained why he imposed what he did”.
Regarding the suspension of the final 18 months, Mr O’Malley said that it was necessary for his client to have a period under supervision as he reintegrates into society, as the only family member he is still in contact with is his older sister, who lives in America.The sentencing court heard that the man met his victim - then a boy in fourth class and 11 years his junior - while coaching GAA at his primary school and “became friendly” with him.
After that, the court heard that the defendant put his hand into the boy’s underwear and started masturbating him until he ejaculated, saying: “It’s not so bad, is it?”