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Former school principal appeals conviction for indecent assaulting pupils
Summary
Patrick Barry, an 80‑year‑old former primary school principal from Kilkee, appealed his conviction for indecent assaulting 11 women who were pupils at Moyasta National School between 1964 and 1985. He had pleaded not guilty to 67 charges but was found guilty on 59 counts and not guilty on eight by Judge Gerald Keyes. Barry received an 11‑year sentence, with the final five years suspended. In the Court of Appeal, Barry's counsel, Roderick O'Hanlon SC, argued that the indictment lacked proper particulars, which he claimed materially affected Barry's defence and cross‑examination rights. He contended that the prosecution's failure to detail interviews with Gardaí and the delay in proceedings prejudiced Barry. The appeal was heard on 23 February 2015, with the court reserving judgment for 23 March. Barry was assisted by his sisters during the hearing and was noted to have poor health and impaired hearing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former school principal appeals conviction for indecent assaulting pupils. Charges or matters: 67 charges of indecently assaulting 11 women on dates between 1964 and 1985 while they attended Moyasta National School as pupils. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- November 19 2014 Incident
- March 23 Hearing Or Sentence
- 1964 and 1985 Incident
- 2015-02-23 Publication
Why: Mr O'Hanlon further submitted that the trial judge erred in permitting the matter to go to the jury because of the delay and the prejudices which have been brought up by virtue of the delay. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: 67 charges of indecently assaulting 11 women on dates between 1964 and 1985 while they attended Moyasta National School as pupils (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; He was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment with the final five suspended by Judge Keyes at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on November 19 2014.
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