Thomas Deegan jailed for indecently assaulting Dublin boy

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

Thomas Deegan was sentenced to two years, with the final 12 months suspended, for indecently assaulting an eight-year-old boy at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 15 December 2020.

The assault happened in a Dublin field between May 1982 and October 1985, when Deegan was about 18 and the boy was eight.

Deegan had pleaded guilty, and Judge Elma Sheahan said the plea spared the victim the rigours of a trial. She also considered his previous good character, apology and physical health issues when imposing sentence.

The victim said the offence had caused lasting distress and that Deegan no longer held power over him.