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'You took my childhood': survivor addresses abuser in court
Summary
During a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Alan Dunne, aged 48, testified that he was abused by 74‑year‑old Bernard Swaine between 1983 and 1986. Dunne, who was between seven and ten at the time, described Swaine's repeated indecent assaults, including a first incident where Swaine penetrated him while they shared a bed. Over the next three years, Swaine allegedly touched Dunne's genitals while he masturbated, a pattern that continued for about three years. Dunne's victim impact statement highlighted the lasting psychological damage, citing depression, anxiety and self‑loathing. Judge Orla Crowe, acknowledging the severity of the abuse, sentenced Swaine to six years' imprisonment, with concurrent terms for the remaining counts. The sentence reflected Swaine's mitigating circumstances, including his age and health, and the court's assessment of the long‑term harm to Dunne. The case underscored the profound effect of childhood sexual abuse on a survivor's life. Bernard Swaine pleaded not guilty and was convicted.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'You took my childhood': survivor addresses abuser in court. Charges or matters: charges of indecent assault on dates between 1983 and 1986. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- 1983 and 1986 Incident
- 2024-04-10 Publication
Why: Alan Dunne waived his anonymity in order to have his abuser, 74-year-old Bernard Swaine, named. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: charges of indecent assault on dates between 1983 and 1986 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Judge Orla Crowe today sentenced him to six years in prison. She imposed concurrent terms of four and half years for the remaining offences, having set an initial headline sentence of six years for these counts.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Ballyneety
- Ballyneety Road
- Dublin
- Swaine's house
Topics
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