ALAN BUCKLEY SENTENCED IN CORK FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In June 2017, a disturbing case emerged from Cork involving a man named Alan Buckley, who was convicted and sentenced for a serious sexual assault against a young girl. The incident took place on May 22, 2013, and has left lasting scars on the victim and the community alike.

Alan Buckley, aged 34 at the time of sentencing, was found guilty at the Central Criminal Court of pinning down and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. The court heard that prior to the assault, Buckley had offered the girl over four cans of beer, which he used to intoxicate her before committing the heinous act. The court was informed that Buckley performed a sexual act on the girl against her will, forcibly restraining her during the assault.

During the proceedings, Mr. Justice Patrick McCarthy acknowledged that Buckley had pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual assault. However, the plea was accepted on the basis that the court would consider the full facts of the case, including the fact that Buckley had attempted to engage in full sexual intercourse with the girl. The judge emphasized the severity of the crime and its profound impact on the victim.

The victim, a young girl at the time, provided a heartbreaking victim impact statement that was read out in court. She described suffering from frequent flashbacks, panic attacks, and feelings of claustrophobia, especially in classroom settings. She also revealed that she experiences daily outbursts of anger, which her family finds difficult to manage, and that her family members are often left walking on eggshells around her due to her emotional state.

Mr. Justice McCarthy noted that the assault had left the girl deeply traumatized, feeling alienated from her peers, and experiencing a loss of interest in her education. She has become withdrawn, avoiding school altogether and even running away from home at times. The court was told that these psychological scars are a direct consequence of Buckley's actions.

In sentencing, Mr. Justice McCarthy imposed a total of four years in prison on Buckley. He also stated that Buckley would be placed on the sexual offenders' register, meaning he would be under Gardaí supervision upon his release. Buckley himself told Gardaí that he accepted all of the girl’s allegations, stating, “if she is saying that.”

The case highlights the devastating effects of such crimes on young victims and underscores the importance of justice and accountability in protecting vulnerable members of society.