Courts / Kildare / Report

Violent sex attacker whose victim took her own life will return to jail

Date
2018-03-08

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Kildare Town

County
Kildare

Summary

Sean Thackaberry, aged 24, was sentenced to seven‑and‑a‑half years in 2013 for an aggravated sexual assault on Michelle Hennessey, who later took her own life. He was released in June 2017 but failed to attend 12 probation appointments, citing holidays and property viewings, and moved to an unapproved address near Hennessey's family, breaching the Sex Offenders Act. In December 2017 the suspended portion of his sentence was activated, adding three months for an assault committed in custody. Judge Patrick McCarthy noted Thackaberry's drug use and lack of community supervision, deeming further release unsafe. The court therefore imposed the suspended term, effectively extending his custodial period while allowing a chance for rehabilitation. The case highlights the court's decision to protect the community and enforce probation conditions. Sean Thackaberry pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Violent sex attacker whose victim took her own life will return to jail. Charges or matters: aggravated sexual assault on a woman in Kildare town in the early hours of January 30, 2011. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

November 2013 Incident
December 22, 2017 Incident
January 30, 2011 Incident
2018-03-08 Publication

Why: By Isabel Hayes and Alison O'Riordan A man who engaged in a violent sexual attack on a young woman who later took her own life will serve more jail time because he repeatedly failed to meet his probation officer following his release from prison. CNI source report

Case subjects

Sean Thackaberry

Defendant

Charges: aggravated sexual assault on a woman in Kildare town in the early hours of January 30, 2011 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Thackaberry, with an address at Church View, Suncroft, Co Kildare, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years in November 2013, with the final two-and-a-half years suspended. Activating the suspended part of the original sentence, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said it was desirable that the court protect the community as well as afford Thackaberry an opportunity to rehabilitate himself.