Courts / Clare / Report
Former primary school principal appeals prison sentence for indecently assaulting pupils
Summary
An 81‑year‑old former primary school principal, Patrick Barry of Kilkee, has appealed his 11‑year prison sentence for indecent assault of 11 female pupils at Moyasta National School between 1964 and 1985. He pleaded not guilty to 67 charges but was found guilty on 59 counts by a jury; the trial judge, Gerald Keyes, directed not guilty on eight counts. Barry's sentence, imposed at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on 19 November 2014, was 11 years with the final five suspended. The Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal against conviction, ruling it could not hold on any of his 12 grounds of appeal. Barry's appeal against sentence was reserved, with a decision expected on 15 May. The case involved allegations of indecent touching and forced positions in the classroom, with victims present. The court noted the seriousness of the offences and Barry's position of trust. The appeal was heard by Justices Garrett Sheehan, Alan Mahon and George Birmingham.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former primary school principal appeals prison sentence for indecently 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 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 20 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 15 Hearing Or Sentence
- 1964 and 1985 Incident
- 2015-04-24 Publication
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; Moving an appeal against sentence today, counsel for Barry, Roderick O'Hanlon SC, submitted that the sentencing judge did not set out the special circumstances as to why Barry's sentences were imposed consecutively. The trial was heard over more than ten days, Mr Heneghan said, and as such Barry knew the nature and background of the offending when he was sentenced.
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