Courts / Dublin / Report
Man jailed for abusing nice 40 years ago
Summary
Richard Meredith, 71, of Windmill Park, Crumlin, was convicted by a jury at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for four counts of indecent assault against his 11‑year‑old niece between 24 November 1976 and 31 May 1978. The assaults occurred at the niece's grandparents' home, with the first three taking place in the kitchen and the final one in the bathroom. Meredith forced the victim to kiss him, touched her chest, and attempted to have her touch his penis, which she refused. The victim, who remains unnamed, reported the abuse to Gardaí in 2017 and later made a formal complaint. Meredith denied the allegations and gave an interview to Gardaí. He had no prior convictions. The court sentenced him to 15 months' imprisonment, noting the seriousness of the breach of trust and the lasting impact on the victim's life. The judge highlighted the victim's bravery and the need for protection of children.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man jailed for abusing nice 40 years ago. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- November 24, 1976 Incident
- May 31, 1978 Incident
- November 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-07-10 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Judge Pauline Codd heard evidence last week and, passing sentence on Meredith today, she said there is no doubt that Meredith's niece suffered greatly. "Quite understandably she felt intensely the impact of the abuse on her. Judge Codd took into account a medical report which concluded that the man was functioning within "the boarder line range of intelligence" and had "limited sexual education" at the time, before she imposed a sentence of 15 months.
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Car thief who rammed gardai to be sentenced 23 years after offences
- Serial criminal set car ablaze after release from Melanie McCarthy-McNamara manslaughter sentence
- Veteran lorry driver has conviction for failing to remain at accident scene overturned
- Mountjoy inmate made 'graphic' threats to prison officers
- 'They're not OK, so you can stop saying that': Riad Bouchaker denied that he 'went for the smallest children' in alleged Parnell Square attack
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request