Courts / Dublin / Report
"Singing Priest" Walsh sentenced for 1983 indecent assault
Summary
Tony Walsh, aged 64, was sentenced by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to five years' imprisonment for indecently assaulting a teenage boy in 1983. The sentence was partially suspended: the final 18 months were suspended for two years on the condition that Walsh keep the peace, behave well and engage with probation services after release. Walsh, a former "Singing Priest" from North Circular Road, Dublin, has 14 prior sex‑related convictions from the mid‑1970s to the mid‑1980s, including a seven‑and‑a‑half‑year term for raping another boy three times in the 1980s. He pleaded guilty, and the judge noted aggravating factors such as the seriousness of the offence, the victim's age and the breach of trust, while mitigating factors included his guilty plea, age, apology and prior 13‑year imprisonment. The sentence was back‑dated to 17 July, the day Walsh entered his plea.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Singing Priest" Walsh sentenced for 1983 indecent assault. Charges or matters: his latest charge of indecently assaulting a teenage boy on a date in 1983. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 17 Other
- 2018-12-19 Publication
Why: The court heard he did not tell anyone because he was so ashamed. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: his latest charge of indecently assaulting a teenage boy on a date in 1983 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Credit: Collins) By Aoife Nic Ardghail & Brion Hoban Former "Singing Priest" Tony Walsh has received a partially suspended sentence for indecently assaulting a teenage boy 35 years ago. Judge Cormac Quinn sentenced Walsh to five years imprisonment, but suspended the final 18 months for a period of two years on condition that he keep the peace and be of good behaviour and engage with probation services for two years post release.
Places mentioned
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Sentence Violent Crime
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
Help us improve this report
Your request is saved for the newsroom's next review. It does not immediately change the published report.
Prefer email? Send a correction request.