Courts / Dublin / Report
Former Terenure rugby coach admits to abusing 23 boys
Summary
John McClean, aged 75, a former rugby coach and teacher at Terenure College, admitted to sexually abusing 23 boys over a 17‑year period from 1973 to 1990. He pleaded guilty to 27 charges of indecent assault in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The charges are organised into three separate books of evidence. McClean was due to stand trial but entered guilty pleas before the court. Judge Pauline Codd remanded him on continuing bail and scheduled a sentence hearing for March 9, 2021, where all evidence will be considered over two days. Prosecutor Paul Murray noted that some complainants were present in court and others observed via Zoom, and that victim impact statements may be read during the hearing. Defence counsel Sean Guerin requested a later sentence date, citing a forthcoming trial expected to finish in early March. A mention date of January 18 was set for any necessary documentation to be submitted before the sentence hearing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former Terenure rugby coach admits to abusing 23 boys. Charges or matters: 27 charges of indecently assaulting the males at Terenure College in Dublin on dates between 1973 and 1990. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 9, 2021 Adjournment
- January 18 Hearing Or Sentence
- 1973 and 1990 Other
- Christmas Other
- new year Other
- 2020-11-02 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: 27 charges of indecently assaulting the males at Terenure College in Dublin on dates between 1973 and 1990 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Pauline Codd remanded McClean on continuing bail and set a sentence date of March 9, 2021, when all evidence will be heard over a two-day sentence hearing.; Judge Pauline Codd remanded McClean on continuing bail and set a sentence date of March 9, 2021, when all evidence will be heard over a two-day sentence hearing.
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