A girl who was sexually abused by her buddy’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 under consideration the gravity of the offence, noting that it was on the extra severe finish of a sexual offence.
The choose additionally took under consideration the age and vulnerability of Ms Kelly on the time of the abuse and the intense psychological harm she has suffered consequently. 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 deal with”.
He acknowledged she in on remedy and was beforehand hospitalised for 3 days on account of 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 influence assertion by saying that she hopes now to start out 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 nicely for the longer term.
The choose took under 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 under consideration case regulation which offers with sentencing offenders on the age O’Brien was on the time of the abuse and in addition acknowledged that, at 47 years previous, he’s answering for felony 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 Felony 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 previous on the time.
Garda Rory McGowan informed Shane Geraghty BL, prosecuting, that Ms Kelly and O’Brien had been neighbours on the time and she or he was greatest buddies with O’Brien’s youthful sister.
She visited their household residence and incessantly performed laptop 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 stop others coming into the room.
Ms Kelly later informed gardaí that O’Brien informed her she was “beautiful and fairly” and used to offer her “sweets and fizzy drinks”. The women stopped hanging round collectively after main faculty and Ms Kelly stated she “blanked it out” however it later performed on her thoughts and she or he finally disclosed the abuse.
Ms Kelly learn her sufferer influence 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 after I was a toddler of 10 years previous”.
“I’ve nothing to be ashamed of. I do know I’ve accomplished nothing mistaken. 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.