A girl who was sexually abused by her pal’s older brother has stated that the jury’s verdict that led to his conviction was “like a black cloud being lifted”.
Grace Kelly waived her anonymity to permit Paul O’Brien (47) to be named in reporting the case.
On Monday Mr Justice David Keane jailed O’Brien for 3 years, having taken into consideration the gravity of the offence, noting that it was on the extra critical finish of a sexual offence.
The choose additionally took into consideration the age and vulnerability of Ms Kelly on the time of the abuse and the intense psychological injury she has suffered because of this. He famous that O’Brien doesn’t settle for the jury’s verdict and maintains his innocence.
Mr Justice Keane stated Ms Kelly had described the devastating impact of the crime on her, including that the abuse had taken over her life “and is greater than she will be able to deal with”.
He acknowledged she in on treatment and was beforehand hospitalised for 3 days resulting from a panic assault. He famous Ms Kelly attributes her medical difficulties to the abuse she suffered as a toddler.
He additional acknowledged that Ms Kelly concluded her sufferer affect assertion by saying that she hopes now to begin a brand new chapter in her life.
Mr Justice Keane stated Ms Kelly had proven “commendable resilience and perseverance” and had proven dignity in the best way she handled the trial. He wished her effectively for the longer term.
The choose took into consideration proof that O’Brien had no different convictions earlier than or for the reason that offences and had served 21 years within the military earlier than retiring with “honourable discharge” due to these offences.
Mr Justice Keane took into consideration case regulation which offers with sentencing offenders on the age O’Brien was on the time of the abuse and likewise acknowledged that, at 47 years outdated, he’s answering for legal conduct he carried out practically three many years in the past.
O’Brien of Forest Park, Killygordon, Co Donegal had pleaded not responsible on the Central Prison Courtroom to fifteen counts of sexual assault on dates between January and December 1995. A jury discovered him responsible of six of those counts following a nine-day trial final November.
Ms Kelly (39) was between 9 and 10 years outdated on the time.
Garda Rory McGowan advised Shane Geraghty BL, prosecuting, that Ms Kelly and O’Brien had been neighbours on the time and he or she was finest pals with O’Brien’s youthful sister.
She visited their household house and ceaselessly performed pc video games with O’Brien, which was when the intercourse assaults occurred. The abuse concerned kissing her and making her contact his penis and kissing her breasts. He would maintain his foot in opposition to the door to forestall others coming into the room.
Ms Kelly later advised gardaí that O’Brien advised her she was “beautiful and fairly” and used to provide her “sweets and fizzy drinks”. The ladies stopped hanging round collectively after main college and Ms Kelly stated she “blanked it out” however it later performed on her thoughts and he or she ultimately disclosed the abuse.
Ms Kelly learn her sufferer affect assertion throughout which she stated that she wrote the assertion for a motive, “and that that motive is for justice … justice for what was dedicated in opposition to me once I was a toddler of 10 years outdated”.
“I’ve nothing to be ashamed of. I do know I’ve finished nothing fallacious. This was 28 years in the past – I’ll bear in mind it for the remainder of my life,” Ms Kelly continued earlier than she added {that a} “a big black cloud lifted from me when the jury returned the decision”.
Colm Smyth SC, defending, stated O’Brien maintains his innocence.
