Courts / Dublin / Report

'Little people grow up to be bigger and stronger', abuse victim tells attacker

Summary

Thomas Deegan, 55, of Finglas, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of indecently assaulting a boy at a field in Dublin between May 1982 and October 1985. The court heard that Deegan, then aged approximately 18, approached the victim, who was around eight years old, and indecently assaulted him after the child felt intimidated into following him. Deegan allegedly threatened the boy not to tell his parents. The victim, now 45, read a statement describing the long-term impact on his self-esteem and anxiety, stating that Deegan's power over him as a child is gone. Deegan had previously failed to appear for a trial, leading to his arrest in Donegal. He entered his guilty plea on the first day of a retrial. Defence counsel Seoirse O Dúnlaing BL submitted that the offence was a single, isolated incident, noting Deegan has no previous convictions and wished to formally apologise for his "shocking and disgraceful" actions. Mr O Dúnlaing urged Judge Elma Sheahan to consider imposing a suspended sentence, highlighting Deegan's otherwise good character and isolated life. Judge Sheahan adjourned the matter to December 15 for sentencing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Little people grow up to be bigger and stronger', abuse victim tells attacker. Charges or matters: one count of indecently assaulting the boy at a field in Dublin on a date between May 1982 and October 1985. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 1982 Incident
• October 1985 Incident
• December 15 Adjournment
• 2020-11-27 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report