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Galway man (72) jailed for sexual abuse of teenage girl 20 years ago
Summary
A 72‑year‑old man from Ardrahan, Pat Howley, was sentenced by the Galway Circuit Criminal Court to four and a half years in prison, with the final 18 months suspended for three years. He pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault committed against a teenage girl aged 13‑14 between February and December 2006. The court noted a 40‑year age gap, the breach of trust, the nature of the conduct and the trauma inflicted. Howley's guilty plea, long working life, voluntary Civil Defence work and health issues were considered mitigating factors. He has no prior convictions and is deemed low risk of re‑offending. He will be supervised by the Probation Service for 12 months after release and must comply with all directions given by them. The sentence was imposed by Judge Brian O'Callaghan.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Galway man (72) jailed for sexual abuse of teenage girl 20 years ago. Charges or matters: four counts of sexual assault on a full facts basis on dates between February and December 2006. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 2006 Incident
- October 2021 Incident
- Wednesday, July 30 Other
- 2025-07-29 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Charges: four counts of sexual assault on a full facts basis on dates between February and December 2006 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Passing sentence at Galway Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Brian O'Callaghan said there was a 40-year age gap between Howley and the complainant, who was aged between 13 and 14 when the abuse occurred. "The court has to take the view that your moral culpability was significant," he said. "You took advantage of a young girl for some kind of gratification." Judge O'Callaghan said: "The court has no doubt that he knew what he was doing, only he knows why he was doing it." The judge noted that a probation report which was before the court showed that Howley "shows limited victim empathy," but is dee The judge noted that Howley has expressed remorse, but he noted: "The court is not convinced that it is 100 per cent." Judge O'Callaghan sentenced Howley to four and a half years in prison, suspending the final 18 months for three years.; At a finalisation hearing, Mr Madden handed a medical report from Howley's GP and from his home care supplier.
Places mentioned
- Galway
- Galway Circuit Criminal Court
- Probation Service place
- Castlerea
- Castlerea Prison
Topics
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