Jacintha McSherry O'Connor jailed for sexual abuse of boy

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Jacintha McSherry O'Connor was jailed for two-and-a-half years for sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, reported on 11 January 2024.

A jury had convicted her by majority verdict on two counts of indecent assault. The offences occurred at the boy’s home in 1985 while she was giving him grinds.

Judge Elma Sheehan imposed three years’ imprisonment on each count, suspending the final six months. She described the offences as a breach and abuse of trust, citing the age disparity and impact on the victim.

The judge also took account of McSherry O’Connor’s previous good character, cooperation with the investigation, teaching career and family circumstances.