Courts / Dublin / Report
Prolific sex predator Harte further jailed for abusing young boys
Summary
Former school principal Patrick Harte was jailed for a further four years after conviction on 17 counts of indecent or sexual assault against boys. Judge Martina Baxter said the offences were repetitive, involved a breach of trust and showed no remorse or prospect of rehabilitation; all sentences were concurrent and none was suspended. Patrick Harte pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Prolific sex predator Harte further jailed for abusing young boys. Charges or matters: all charges and continues to deny any offending; 22 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted indecent assault; indecently assaulting. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- March 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 1968 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 1970 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 2020 Other
- December 2024 Other
- 1967 to 2007 Other
- 1969 and 1986 Incident
- 1967 and 1970 Incident
- 1969 and 1971 Incident
- 2026-03-18 Publication
Why: Garrett McCormack SC, defending, told Judge Baxter that Harte instructs, following a brief consultation this morning, that he wrote to her because he didn't get the opportunity to address her previously at the sentence hearing. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: all charges and continues to deny any offending; 22 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted indecent assault; indecently assaulting (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Photo: Collins) Serial child abuser and former school principal Patrick Harte, who has been described by a judge as "a sexual predator" of young boys, has been further jailed for four years. In December 2024, Harte was jailed for four years for the sexual abuse of a further eight former primary school students on dates between 1967 and 1970.
Places mentioned
- Synge Street
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Glendown Park
- Dublin
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request