Courts / Dublin / Report
Scout leader jailed for sexually abusing four boys
Summary
David O'Brien, aged 67, was sentenced by Judge Karen O'Connor at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a total of eight years' imprisonment for indecent assault on four boys between 1972 and 1981. The sentence was imposed on four separate counts, each carrying two years, and the final 18 months were suspended on the condition of 12 months' probation. O'Brien pleaded guilty to eight counts of indecent assault and had previously been jailed for six and a half years in 2015 for similar offences. He admitted to molesting a number of boys while a scout leader, including fondling and non‑penetrative acts, and claimed he had abused between 30 and 40 children. The court noted his guilty plea and expressed remorse, but emphasised the breach of trust and the victims' loss of childhood innocence. The victims gave impact statements describing lasting physical and emotional harm, and the judge praised their courage.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Scout leader jailed for sexually abusing four boys. Charges or matters: eight counts of indecent assault relating to four boys on dates between January 1, 1972 and 31 December, 1981. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 1, 1972 Incident
- 31 December Incident
- October 2015 Incident
- 2019-11-07 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: eight counts of indecent assault relating to four boys on dates between January 1, 1972 and 31 December, 1981 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge O'Connor sentenced O'Brien to two years imprisonment on a single count of indecent assault relating to each of the four complainants. She suspended the final 18 months of this eight years sentence on condition that O'Brien come under the supervision of the Probation Service for 12 months post release.
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