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Co Galway ballet teacher jailed for child sexual abuse in Mayo - Long Read
Summary
Leighton Morrison, 49, of Woodfield, Galway Road, Tuam, Co Galway, was sentenced to eight years in prison at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court, with the final year suspended. He pleaded guilty to six sample charges from a total of 13 offences committed between January 2023 and June 2024. The charges include sexual assault against two girls, aged eight and nine, exploitation of a child, and possession and production of child pornography. Judge Eoin Garavan stated that Morrison remains a paedophile at high risk of recidivism and a grave danger to children. The court noted that Morrison videoed the assaults for his own gratification and can never have unsupervised access to children again. His sentence was backdated to July 2, 2024, when he entered custody. Upon release, he is ordered to undergo one year of probation supervision, during which he must complete counselling and a sex offenders' programme. The judge ordered the destruction of seized videos. Morrison's defence counsel noted his public apology and difficult childhood, while the judge described him as a talented dancer who caused significant destruction. The parents of the victims, who retained their children's anonymity, delivered victim impact statements detailing the severe trauma suffered by their daughters.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Co Galway ballet teacher jailed for child sexual abuse in Mayo - Long Read. Charges or matters: six sample charges from a total of 13 offences committed on dates between January 2023 and June 2024. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 2023 Incident
- June 2024 Incident
- July 2, 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 2024 Incident
- 2025-11-06 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: six sample charges from a total of 13 offences committed on dates between January 2023 and June 2024 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Morrison of Woodfield, Galway Road, Tuam, Co Galway, was sentenced to eight years in prison with the final year suspended at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court today. Passing sentence today, Judge Eoin Garavan said that no matter how long Morrison remains in jail, he will remain a paedophile, at high risk of recidivism and a grave danger to children.
Places mentioned
- Castlebar
- Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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