Courts / Wicklow / Report
82-year-old has jail term cut over 1960's abuse of girl
Summary
Jack Donohue, aged 82 and from Holdenstown, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow, was convicted in 2017 for indecently assaulting an eight‑year‑old girl between 1968 and 1969. He had originally been sentenced to two years' imprisonment, with the last six months suspended. On appeal, the Court of Appeal found that a larger portion of the sentence should have been suspended because of Donohue's poor health and frailty. The judge noted that the victim had grown up on a farm where Donohue worked and that the abuse involved digital penetration and other sexual contact. Donohue had no prior convictions and was described as a man of good character who lived a quiet, isolated life. The Court re‑sentenced him to two years' imprisonment, suspending the final 15 months, so that 18 months would be served in custody. The decision was made by Mr Justice George Birmingham, sitting with Mr Justice Alan Mahon and Mr Justice John Hedigan. Jack Donohue pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 82-year-old has jail term cut over 1960's abuse of girl. Charges or matters: two counts of indecently assaulting an eight year old girl in the county on dates between September 1, 1968 and September 11, 1969. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- September 1, 1968 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 11, 1969 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 7, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-07-31 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: two counts of indecently assaulting an eight year old girl in the county on dates between September 1, 1968 and September 11, 1969 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced at Wicklow Circuit Crimnal Court to two years imprisonment with the final six months suspended by Judge Michael O'Shea on April 7, 2017. The court re-sentenced him to two years imprisonment with the final 15 months suspended.
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