Courts / Louth / Report
Abuse victim came forward after coverage of Jimmy Savile case
Summary
Thomas Larkin, a 70‑year‑old pensioner from Ardee, Co. Louth, was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment for sexually abusing a 15‑year‑old boy between January 1999 and June 2000. Larkin, who was 47 at the time of the offences, pleaded guilty to four counts of gross indecency. The victim, whose name is withheld for anonymity, came forward after the Jimmy Savile case prompted him to recall the abuse. Larkin had groomed the boy, giving him cigarettes and sweets, and performed acts of sexual abuse including masturbation and one instance of oral sex. He had instructed the boy not to disclose the abuse. The judge noted the victim's life, relationships and work had been severely affected, and imposed the custodial sentence to reflect the seriousness of the exploitative conduct. The sentence was handed down by Judge Melanie Greally.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Abuse victim came forward after coverage of Jimmy Savile case. Charges or matters: four counts of committing acts of gross indecency against the then 15-year-old boy on dates between January 1999 and June 2000. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 1999 Other
- June 2000 Other
- 2022-04-08 Publication
Why: "The innocent people around you suffer because they worry that they should have stopped it happening. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: four counts of committing acts of gross indecency against the then 15-year-old boy on dates between January 1999 and June 2000 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Greally noted Larkin is now 70 years old and a pensioner. "But I am of the view his exploitative behaviour by an adult man in respect of a vulnerable teenager, whose conduct has had significant consequences for the victim, the principal of deterrence and retribution merit a custodial sentence." She handed down a sentence of 12 months.
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Gun-runner who sold assault weapons to criminal gangs will have cash returned to him
- 'Ireland's top criminals, LOL': dual citizen gun runner gets 10 years
- Smuggler was vital to gang importing military-grade firearms, court hears
- Louth man 'in symbiotic relationship' selling guns to 'Ireland's top criminals', court told
- Man (29) admits helping gun-running ring
- Boss of gun-running ring smuggling assault rifles into Ireland gets 12 years
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request