Courts / Westmeath / Report
Brothers who sexually assaulted teenage girls in mid-nineties can now be identified for first time
Summary
Two Westmeath brothers who sexually assaulted teenage girls in the mid-nineties have now been identified for the first time. John Owens (72) was jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to nine counts of sexual assault against three teenage girls. His brother, Martin Owens (66), was also found guilty of sexually assaulting two of the victims. The victims, aged 14 to 17, were babysitting for Owens' children. During the trial, it was revealed that Owens groomed the victims and used alcohol to manipulate them. Martin Owens was sentenced to five years and six months, with the final six months suspended. The victims described the lasting trauma and emotional impact of the abuse. John Owens was sentenced to eight years, with a total headline sentence of 15 years reduced due to guilty pleas. The victims expressed relief in finally having their abusers identified and acknowledged their suffering.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Brothers who sexually assaulted teenage girls in mid-nineties can now be identified for first time. Charges or matters: sexually assaulting Deirdre Boyhan and Lorraine Kiernan on dates in 1994 and 1996; four more counts of sexually assaulting Deirdre Boyhan on dates in 1994 and 1995; nine sample counts of sexual assault on dates between July 1992 and November 1996 of Ms Boyhan, Sinead Nally and Aoife O'Dwyer. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 13 Incident
- July 1992 Incident
- November 1996 Incident
- May 2023 Other
- 1994 and 1996 Incident
- 1994 and 1995 Incident
- 2026-07-28 Publication
Why: He could not be identified at the time because his brother, Martin Owens (66), was facing trial in April for sexual assaults of one of these victims, as well as another girl. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: sexually assaulting Deirdre Boyhan and Lorraine Kiernan on dates in 1994 and 1996; four more counts of sexually assaulting Deirdre Boyhan on dates in 1994 and 1995; nine sample counts of sexual assault on dates between July 1992 and November 1996 of Ms Boyhan, Sinead Nally and Aoife O'Dwyer (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: John Owens (72) of Cois Abhainn, Multyfarnham was jailed last February for eight years after pleading guilty to nine counts of sexual assault of three teenage girls. After sentence was passed yesterday, Vincent Heneghan SC, prosecuting, told the court that the victims of both brothers wished their waive their right to anonymity so that the Owens could be identified publicly.
Defendant
Charges: sexually assaulting Deirdre Boyhan and Lorraine Kiernan on dates in 1994 and 1996; four more counts of sexually assaulting Deirdre Boyhan on dates in 1994 and 1995 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Places mentioned
- Multyfarnham
- Dublin
- Dublin Road
- Castlepollard
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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