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"Singing Priest" Tony Walsh abused boy with crucifix, court hears
Summary
Tony Walsh, a former "singing" priest, was convicted of indecent assault on a boy aged 10‑13 between 1980 and 1982. He pleaded not guilty to five counts but the jury found him guilty on all after a three‑day trial. The court heard that the boy described being forced to sit on Walsh's knee, having his trousers pulled down, and being fondled, with incidents involving a crucifix and alleged sexual acts. Walsh denied knowing the boy and claimed the allegations were false. He admitted to prior offences against children from 1980 to 1986, having served prison terms and undergone treatment, but maintained he had not re‑offended. The judge remanded him in custody for sentencing on 4 July. The case was heard in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Singing Priest" Tony Walsh abused boy with crucifix, court hears. Charges or matters: five counts of indecently assaulting the boy on dates between January 1980 and December 1982; offences involving five boys in the period 1980 to 1986. "Because I was guilty" he told his counsel; two more cases. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- January 1980 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 1982 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 4th Adjournment
- April 2011 Other
- 1980 to 1986 Incident
- 2016-06-14 Publication
Why: "Because I was guilty" he told his counsel. CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Charges: five counts of indecently assaulting the boy on dates between January 1980 and December 1982; offences involving five boys in the period 1980 to 1986. "Because I was guilty" he told his counsel; two more cases (Proven)
Plea: Guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Anthony Walsh (62), currently serving a sentence for sexual offences against a number of other children, denied ever knowing the boy and said he had never assaulted him. "If I knew him I would have pleaded guilty years ago" Walsh told the court as he gave evidence on his own behalf.; Judge Elma Sheahan thanked the jury for its service and remanded Walsh in custody for sentencing on July 4th next.
Places mentioned
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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