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Former scout leader jailed for sexual abuse of six boys
Summary
David O'Brien, aged 63, was sentenced to four and a half years' imprisonment for indecent assault of six boys during Scout camping trips between 1975 and 1980. He pleaded guilty to ten counts of assault in Dublin, Kilkenny and Cork. The court noted that each offence could carry a maximum of two years under the law at the time, but imposed three consecutive two‑year sentences and suspended the final 18 months, resulting in an effective custodial term of four and a half years. O'Brien, a former postman, admitted to unzipping sleeping bags, fondling private parts, forcing masturbation and inserting fingers into a boy's anus. He has no prior convictions and has lived in social isolation since the abuse. Victim impact statements highlighted long‑term depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts caused by the assaults. The judge emphasised that O'Brien used his position of trust and authority to plan and premeditate the offences.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former scout leader jailed for sexual abuse of six boys. Charges or matters: ten counts of indecently assaulting six males in Dublin, Kilkenny and Cork between 1975 and 1980. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 1975 Other
- 1975 and 1980 Incident
- 1976 and 1977 Other
- 2015-10-15 Publication
Why: " The judge observed that the offences took place in the 70s and early 80s and that the maximum sentence that could be handed down for any individual offence was two years because of the law that was in force at the time. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: ten counts of indecently assaulting six males in Dublin, Kilkenny and Cork between 1975 and 1980 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: However he said it was within the court's discretion to impose consecutive sentences "when justice demands it." He imposed three consecutive sentences of two years and suspended the final 18 months, meaning an effective jail sentence of four and a half years. He revealed he had been suicidal and had a "lifelong struggle" with depression and alcohol, but he "takes some comfort" that O'Brien will be jailed.
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