James Maher’s eight-year sentence upheld for sexual abuse

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

James Maher had his eight-year sentence for sexually abusing his nephews upheld by the Court of Appeal on 20 March 2018. The offences occurred at locations in Dublin between January 1980 and March 1984. Maher had pleaded guilty to six counts, and Judge Patricia Ryan imposed an effective nine-year term with the final year suspended.

The appeal court found that the net eight-year term was within the available six-to-nine-year range. Mr Justice Alan Mahon said the offending was premeditated, systematic and prolonged, with long-term detrimental effects, and the appeal was dismissed.