Courts / Limerick / Report
'Monster' jailed for rape and sex abuse as a teenager over 40 years ago
Summary
Kieran Meaney, aged 59, was convicted by a jury of 14 counts of indecent assault on two sisters aged six to eleven between August 1979 and August 1983, and of one count of rape of the older sister. The Central Criminal Court heard that the abuse began with inappropriate touching and escalated to forced removal of clothing and rape. The older sister's victim impact statement described the loss of innocence and lifelong fear, while the younger sister described a chaotic childhood but no fear of Meaney. Defending counsel argued that Meaney was a minor at the time of the offences and had no prior convictions. Judge Kerida Naidoo reduced the headline sentence from 10 years and 3 months to 5 years and 6 months, and imposed an effective global sentence of 4 years and 3 months. The court noted the age disparity and breach of trust in its decision.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Monster' jailed for rape and sex abuse as a teenager over 40 years ago. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- August 1979 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 1983 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-05-12 Publication
Why: But she said she was never afraid of Meaney because she "didn't know any better". CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Imposing sentence, Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo noted the age disparity between Meaney and the two victims, the girls' young ages at the time and the breach of trust involved. Having considered Meaney's long work history, lack of previous convictions and personal circumstances, the judge imposed an effective global sentence of four years and three months.
Places mentioned
- Hennessy Avenue
- Limerick
- The Central Criminal Court
Topics
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