COLIN GOGGIN'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN DUBLIN: SEXUAL ABUSE AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SCANDAL
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Dublin community, Colin Goggin, a 52-year-old former sports coach and photographer, was sentenced to a total of three years in prison for heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of two teenage boys and the possession of a significant amount of child abuse images.Goggin’s criminal activities came to light after one of his victims bravely came forward in 2007, prompting a police investigation that uncovered disturbing evidence of his misconduct.
Following this revelation, Goggin fled Ireland and traveled to Spain, where he remained for five years.
His escape was eventually thwarted when authorities issued a European Arrest Warrant, leading to his extradition back to Ireland.
Despite this, Goggin failed to appear for his initial trial, resulting in his being remanded in custody until sentencing could be carried out.
Judge Martin Nolan, presiding over the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, described the offences as extremely serious.
He pointed out that Goggin’s involvement in athletics had provided him with access to vulnerable young victims, which he exploited for his own depraved purposes.
The judge sentenced Goggin to three years for each of the two boys he sexually assaulted, and an additional two years for possessing a large collection of child pornography.
All sentences are to run concurrently, meaning Goggin will serve the combined term simultaneously.
Before being led away, Goggin expressed his thanks to the judge, a gesture that drew attention amid the gravity of the case.
The court heard that Goggin had held various roles in the past, including work as a photographer and as an external sports coach at a school in south Dublin.
His abuse was carried out in different settings; one victim was assaulted during a photo shoot at Goggin’s residence, while the other was molested under the pretense of receiving treatment for a sports injury.
Authorities revealed that after the first victim came forward in 2007, Gardaí conducted a search of Goggin’s home on Beach Park Road, Foxrock.
During the search, they discovered approximately 2,000 images of child pornography.
A significant portion of these images was classified by Gardaí as being in the second most offensive category on a scale of five, indicating a high level of severity.
Additionally, they found 21 video files, also rated in the second worst category, further underscoring the gravity of his possession.
Goggin pleaded guilty to possessing the illicit material at his home on March 19, 2007.
He also admitted to indecently or sexually assaulting two teenage boys at his residence between 1987 and 1994.
His past addresses include Beach Park Road, Foxrock, where the crimes took place.
Sergeant Colm O’Giollain provided details to the court, explaining that Goggin had met both victims through his involvement in athletics.
One of the boys was asked by Goggin if he could take photographs of him, which initially made the boy feel special, believing Goggin wanted him to model.
The two went to Goggin’s home, where he set up his photography equipment in a back bedroom.
Despite feeling uncomfortable, the boy was instructed to strip naked, and Goggin then told him he needed to apply a special lotion to his genitals for the photos.
The abuse continued as Goggin molested the boy, instructing him to “think about a girl he likes,” and took photographs during the ordeal.
The second victim was being trained by Goggin in athletics.
When he complained of a sports injury, Goggin claimed he had a pill that could help if inserted into the boy’s anus.
The court heard that Goggin became forceful, insisting it was necessary, and used gel to insert his fingers into the boy, who screamed in pain.
The victim later told Gardaí that he never saw any pill, raising questions about Goggin’s claims.
During an interview in 2007, prior to Goggin’s departure to Spain, he denied ever abusing the first victim.
He was never questioned regarding the second boy’s allegations.
His defence lawyer, Sean Gillane SC, stated that Goggin’s guilty pleas brought relief to the victims and spared the state the difficulties associated with prosecuting old charges.
The lawyer also highlighted Goggin’s recent hardships, noting that he was living rough in Athlone at the time of his last arrest, marking a significant decline in his personal circumstances.
Gillane added that Goggin had previously held various jobs, including being retained as a photographer by a well-known solicitor’s firm for personal injury cases, indicating a complex background overshadowed by his criminal actions.
