Courts / Dublin / Report
Former church worker abused 14 boys over course of 30 years
Summary
Patrick O'Brien, 76, a former lay worker with the Church of Ireland, is due to be sentenced for the rape and molestation of 14 boys over 30 years. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 48 counts of indecent assault, including anal penetration and three counts of sexual assault between 1977 and 2010 at various locations such as Kildare, Westmeath, a boat in Loughrea, and St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin where he volunteered. The sentencing hearing, held over two days, included victim impact reports from four men, some of whom chose not to have their statements read. The court heard that O'Brien abused the boys in cars, at his yacht, and in his office, often after visiting their parents. He also performed oral sex and forced victims to perform it on him. The hearing will continue tomorrow before Judge Melanie Greally.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former church worker abused 14 boys over course of 30 years. Charges or matters: 48 sample counts of indecent assault, including various instances of anal penetration and three counts of sexual assault of the boys between 1977 and 2010 at numerous locations throughout the State including Kildare, Westmeath, on a boat in Loughrea in Co Galway and at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin where he worked as a volunteer. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- 1977 and 2010 Incident
- 2016-10-18 Publication
Why: Another victim said he never wanted to have children because he didn't want to be responsible for them after the abuse he suffered as a young boy. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: 48 sample counts of indecent assault, including various instances of anal penetration and three counts of sexual assault of the boys between 1977 and 2010 at numerous locations throughout the State including Kildare, Westmeath, on a boat in Loughrea in Co Galway and at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin where he worked as a volunteer (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Credit: Collins) A former lay worker with the Church of Ireland is due to be sentenced for the rape and molestation of 14 young boys over the course of 30 years.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Dublin District Court
- Knocklyon Road
- Dublin
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request