Courts / Dublin / Report

Soccer coach who defiled teen player is jailed for four years

Summary

Richard Farrell, aged 61, was convicted by a jury of four counts of defilement for sexual acts with a 16‑year‑old girl who played on his soccer team between August 2008 and January 2009. The victim, who was 16 at the time, gave a victim impact statement describing the lasting harm to her confidence, trust and relationships, and how Farrell's grooming and sexual conduct had ruined her love of soccer. Farrell pleaded not guilty but was found guilty. He received a headline sentence of seven years, reduced to six years with the final two years suspended, subject to two years' probation, therapeutic assessment and treatment, and restrictions on contact with children. The court noted his prior road traffic offence and community contributions, and that he had been assessed as low risk of reoffending. The sentence was imposed by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Soccer coach who defiled teen player is jailed for four years. Charges or matters: the offences at his trial. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

• August 2008 Incident
• January 2009 Incident
• May 2020 Incident
• 2024-12-09 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report