Courts / Laois / Report
Schoolgirl's dream of becoming vet ended after rape and abuse by neighbour
Summary
In 2018, a 41‑year‑old woman recounted how a local horse trader, John Phelan, 54, ended her aspiration to become a vet by raping her during school holidays in 1992–1993. She had taken a summer job caring for animals on farms, hoping to prepare for her future, but Phelan abused her while she was 14–16. He pleaded guilty to four sexual assault charges and two rapes, and was already serving a seven‑year sentence for earlier abuse of a girl aged nine to eleven. The court heard that Phelan began with inappropriate questions, then progressed to kissing, fondling, and digital penetration. He also forced her to wear a one‑piece swimsuit to facilitate molestation. The victim, who had not spoken out until the trial, described lasting trauma, depression, and a loss of trust in men. She thanked Garda Michael Kennelly and others for their support. Phelan was remanded in custody, with sentencing pending. John Phelan was convicted.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Schoolgirl's dream of becoming vet ended after rape and abuse by neighbour. Charges or matters: four charges of sexual assault and two of raping the woman when she was aged between 14 and 16 years at various locations in Laois, including at his home, on dates between 1992 and 1993. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- July 1992 Incident
- 1992 and 1993 Incident
- 1989 and 1990 Other
- 2018-07-31 Publication
Why: The woman didn't tell anyone about the offences because she was scared and Phelan was her neighbour. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: four charges of sexual assault and two of raping the woman when she was aged between 14 and 16 years at various locations in Laois, including at his home, on dates between 1992 and 1993 (Proven)
Plea: Guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Phelan, a married father-of-two, served a seven-year sentence from 2008 for raping and sexually abusing a young girl in 1989 and 1990 when she was between nine and 11 years old. Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy remanded Phelan in custody and adjourned the sentence till October, when she will hear a full plea of mitigation from the defence.; Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy remanded Phelan in custody and adjourned the sentence till October, when she will hear a full plea of mitigation from the defence.
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