Courts / Dublin / Report
Former scout leader jailed for abusing neighbour
Summary
James Leddy, 55, of Blanchardstown, was convicted in December 2019 of three counts of indecent assault on 13‑year‑old Colm Bracken, aged 51, at Leddy's former home in Artane between May and September 1981. Leddy pleaded not guilty but was found guilty by majority verdict. Judge Pauline Codd sentenced him to eight months' imprisonment, suspending the final five months on strict conditions, including engagement with the Probation Service. The sentence was the maximum of two years allowed for offences committed in 1981. Leddy admitted guilt, expressed remorse, and has since led a pro‑social life, never re‑offending. He is now on the Sex Offenders' Register. The case highlighted the long‑lasting impact on Bracken, who described the abuse as a living nightmare and reported suicidal thoughts and hospitalisation. The trial was conducted at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The judge noted Leddy's lack of recollection but acceptance of the verdict and his mental health history.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former scout leader jailed for abusing neighbour. Charges or matters: three counts of indecently assaulting Colm Bracken (51) 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 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-10-08 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: three counts of indecently assaulting Colm Bracken (51) at Leddy's former home on Maryfield Avenue in Artane on dates between May and September 1981 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Judge Pauline Codd sentenced Leddy to eight months in prison but suspended the final five months on strict conditions including that he engage with the Probation Service for those five months. However Judge Codd cited a previous Probation Service report saying that Leddy "adamantly denies" his guilt, and said she could not pass sentence without clarity on Leddy's position.; The judge had adjourned the case last July after Fiona Murphy SC, defending, told her Leddy had no recollection of the offences but accepted the verdict of the jury and knew he must take responsibility for his actions.
Places mentioned
- Sheephill Avenue
- Blanchardstown
- Dublin
- Maryfield Avenue
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Pieta House
Topics
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