Courts / Monaghan / Report
Pensioner who sexually assaulted two young girls fails in sentence appeal
Summary
A 70-year-old man from Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan has failed in his appeal against sentences for sexually assaulting two young girls. Peter Clarke pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault committed in May and September 2011. He received two concurrent five-year prison sentences at Monaghan Circuit Criminal Court in January 2013. Clarke's barrister argued the sentencing judge had failed to give proper weight to the guilty plea and had made inappropriate remarks during sentencing. The Court of Appeal yesterday rejected the appeal, finding the trial judge had properly considered all circumstances and mitigating factors. The court was not satisfied the sentences were unduly severe. Clarke remains in custody and will be required to engage with the probation service for seven years following his release.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Pensioner who sexually assaulted two young girls fails in sentence appeal. Charges or matters: two counts of sexual assault committed against two young girls in May and September 2011 in Co Monaghan. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- September 2011 Incident
- January 11, 2013 Incident
- May 12 2011 Incident
- May 30 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014-12-13 Publication
Why: Ms Justice Irvine said Clarke had told gardaí that he let her go because there were a lot of people around. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: two counts of sexual assault committed against two young girls in May and September 2011 in Co Monaghan (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Moving an application to review Clarke's sentence in the Court of Appeal yesterday, his barrister Paul Greene SC said the sentencing judge failed to have any proper regard to Clarke's guilty plea and referred to him inappropriately as a "dirty old man" several times. Ms Justice Irvine, who sat with Mr Justice Mahon and Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, said the court was not satisfied that the sentences imposed on Clarke were severe enough to warrant setting them aside.
Places mentioned
- Monaghan
- Main Street
- Carrickmacross
- Monaghan
- Monaghan Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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