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80-year-old Cork man jailed for abuse of boy has jail term cut on appeal
Summary
Patrick Bassett, 80, of Glanmire, Cork, was jailed for 4 years after pleading guilty to 22 counts of indecent assault on a 10‑year‑old boy and one count against the boy's brother in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Court of Appeal, hearing on 13 October 2015, suspended the final 12 months of his sentence, citing his early guilty plea and the fact that the abuse was systematic, involving daily acts of masturbation, oral sex and an attempted buggery. The judge noted the victims' vulnerability, their lack of a father figure, and that Bassett had inserted himself as a surrogate. The suspended period is to be followed by 12 months of post‑release supervision, a €100 bond, and probation service oversight. Bassett denied remorse and had been assaulted in prison by a younger inmate. The decision was made by Justices Birmingham, Sheehan and Edwards.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 80-year-old Cork man jailed for abuse of boy has jail term cut on appeal. Charges or matters: 22 counts of indecently assaulting the boy and one count of indecently assaulting his brother in County Cork in the late 1970s and early 80s. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- May 28 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-10-13 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: 22 counts of indecently assaulting the boy and one count of indecently assaulting his brother in County Cork in the late 1970s and early 80s (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: The Court of Appeal found today that the final 12 months of Bassett's sentence should have been suspended in light of his signed plea of guilty in the District Court at the earliest possible stage of proceedings. Mr Justice Birmingham, who sat with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice John Edwards, suspended the final 12 months of Bassett's four year sentence and further ordered that he be subject to 12 months post release supervision.
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