Courts / Waterford / Report

Former sports coach Bill Kenneally appeals severity of 14-year indecent assault sentence

Date
2018-01-26

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Waterford

Summary

In 2016, Bill Kenneally, aged 67, was sentenced to 14 years and two months imprisonment for indecent assault on ten teenage boys in Waterford during the 1980s. The sentence was imposed by Judge Eugene O'Kelly, who applied consecutive 17‑month terms for each victim. Kenneally pleaded guilty to ten counts, though originally charged with 70. His appeal to the Court of Appeal concerns the severity of the sentence, arguing the judge's approach was "vengeful" and overly emotive, focusing on victim impact reports rather than legal principles. Kenneally's counsel, Michael Counihan SC, contended that the judge failed to adequately consider mitigating factors such as a guilty plea, psychological issues, and the absence of a prior investigation. The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment on the appeal. The case remains at the appellate stage, with no further outcome reported.