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Wife of convicted sex offender who abused teen babysitter pleads for leniency

Date
2024-11-18
Stage
Appeal
Court
Central Criminal Court
Primary locality
Tuam
County
Galway

Summary

Martin O'Brien, 54, of Tuam, Co Galway, pleaded guilty to four charges of sexual assault committed between June 2012 and February 2014 against a teenage babysitter. The case is currently at the sentencing stage before Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo at the Central Criminal Court. The matter was previously adjourned in July to allow for the preparation of reports regarding sexual offender treatment O'Brien was undergoing. Today, the court heard mitigation from O'Brien's wife, Leonie O'Brien, who requested leniency citing his good character and family circumstances, including her own stage three breast cancer diagnosis. O'Brien also took the stand to express remorse and confirm he is attending therapy. A forensic psychologist report indicated he is at low-average risk of re-offending. The victim, who waived anonymity, described the assaults as relentless and grooming-based. Mr Justice Naidoo adjourned the case to December 16 for sentence. Separately, O'Brien has a previous conviction for sexual assault against a child, which is currently under appeal; he had contested that case, resulting in an eight-month suspended sentence and a €16,000 compensation order.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Wife of convicted sex offender who abused teen babysitter pleads for leniency. Charges or matters: four charges of sexual assault on dates between June 1, 2012 and February 2014; and have nothing to do with Ms McHugh or her family." "They are untruths about myself too," she said. "Finally, I would like to say he (O'Brien) is genuinely remorseful for all the suffering he has brought," Ms O'Brien said, before she added that she trusts the judgement of Mr Justice Naidoo to also reflect on her family's suffering. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Why: She explained that both her mother and her aunt rely on O'Brien for care and said O'Brien has lived on her aunt's farm recently. CNI source report

Case subjects

Martin O'Brien

Appellant

Charges: four charges of sexual assault on dates between June 1, 2012 and February 2014; and have nothing to do with Ms McHugh or her family." "They are untruths about myself too," she said. "Finally, I would like to say he (O'Brien) is genuinely remorseful for all the suffering he has brought," Ms O'Brien said, before she added that she trusts the judgement of Mr Justice Naidoo to also reflect on her family's suffering (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: O'Brien got an eight-month suspended sentence and was ordered to pay to the €16,000 to the victim in that case. Ms O'Brien told Mr Smyth that she is a healthcare professional and while she has "grave concerns" that there may be further negative press following her testimony in court, which could impact her work, she was willing to take the stand and read out the letter she had prepared for the sentence hearing. "I am writing to respectfully request leniency – while I understand the serious nature of the offence," Ms O'Brien said, adding that she wanted to put into context her husband's "good character" and family circumstances.; Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo had adjourned the case following evidence last July to allow for the preparation of reports in relation to sexual offenders treatment O'Brien was undergoing.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Residence

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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