Courts / Dublin / Report

Confusion over whether scout leader accepts guilt for abusing boy (13)

Summary

James Leddy, 55, was convicted of three counts of indecent assault on 13‑year‑old Colm Bracken between May and September 1981. The sentencing hearing was adjourned to October because the judge, Pauline Codd, could not determine whether Leddy accepted his guilt. Leddy had pleaded not guilty but accepted the jury verdict, while a prior probation report stated he "adamantly denies" his guilt. Leddy, a former scout leader and father of five, had no prior convictions. Bracken, 51, gave a victim impact statement describing the abuse, his subsequent mental health struggles, and the lasting trauma. The court noted Leddy's participation in counselling and his status on the Sex Offenders' Register. No sentence was imposed at the time of the article.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Confusion over whether scout leader accepts guilt for abusing boy (13). Charges or matters: three counts of indecently assaulting Colm Bracken at Leddy's former home on Maryfield Avenue in Artane on dates between May and September 1981. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• September 1981 Adjournment
• 2019-07-15 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report