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Companies refuse to insure Air BnB "apartment blocks" of pensioner who molested niece, court hears
Summary
John Prior, a 68‑year‑old former guesthouse owner, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment after an appeal reduced his original 18‑month term. He had been found guilty of two counts of indecent assault on his 10‑year‑old niece in 1985, with three other counts unresolved. The appeal argued that the custodial sentence had caused significant financial loss, including the loss of insurance for his hospitality properties, which were used for short‑term rentals. The Court of Appeal considered the impact of the sentence on his business and, noting his charitable work, decided a 12‑month term was appropriate. Prior had accepted the jury's verdict, and the court re‑sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment. The hearing was brief and focused on the seriousness of the offences and the defendant's circumstances. John Prior pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Companies refuse to insure Air BnB "apartment blocks" of pensioner who molested niece, court hears. Charges or matters: five counts of indecently assaulting the victim at Hartley House, Merrion Road on dates between July 1 and August 1 1985 when she was aged 10. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- July 1 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 1 1985 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 27 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-12-05 Publication
Why: The second incident, dated because the abuse occurred while a film 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' was playing on RTE, involved Prior placing his hand inside her underwear. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: five counts of indecently assaulting the victim at Hartley House, Merrion Road on dates between July 1 and August 1 1985 when she was aged 10 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment by Judge Martin Nolan on July 27 last. Mr Justice Birmingham, who sat with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice Alan Mahon, re-sentenced Prior to 12 months imprisonment.
Places mentioned
- Orchard Lane
- Herbert Park
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
- Hartley House
- Merrion Road
Topics
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