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Sex offender whose wife pleaded for leniency after he abused 'gifted' teen babysitter pleads gets six years
Summary
Martin O'Brien, 54, of Gurrane, Tuam, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for four counts of sexual assault against a teenage babysitter, Áine McHugh, aged 16‑17, between 2012 and 2014. O'Brien had previously pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a 10‑year‑old child when he was 13‑14, a conviction still on appeal. In the current case, McHugh described O'Brien as a "sub‑human, monster" who groomed and repeatedly assaulted her while she cared for his children, giving her alcohol and assaulting her at home and in pubs. The judge noted aggravating factors such as the abuse occurring in O'Brien's home and his position of trust, and imposed a headline sentence of nine and a half years, but ultimately imposed a six‑year term with the final six months suspended on strict conditions, including probation engagement for twelve months.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Sex offender whose wife pleaded for leniency after he abused 'gifted' teen babysitter pleads gets six years. 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:
- June 1, 2012 Incident
- February 2014 Incident
- December 2022 Other
- 2024-12-16 Publication
Why: He knew I would feel ashamed and embarrassed," she said before she added that she never went to discos because of her lack of confidence. CNI source report
Case subjects
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 the latter 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.
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