July 2003 Court names scout chief who raped schoolboy A REMEDIAL teacher and Catholic Boy Scouts regional commissioner jailed in 2000 for 10 years for raping a schoolboy has been named. Bachelor Denis O’Shea (54) of Cahermore, Midleton, Co Cork was jailed by Mr Justice Diarmuid O’Donovan at the Central Criminal Court on July 26, 2000 but his identity could not be revealed at the time for legal reasons. He was convicted in June 2000 by a jury after a 13-day trial on two charges of buggering an 11-year-old pupil during special lunchtime remedial classes from 1997 to 1998. He was also convicted of four charges of sexual assault. Det Garda Michael O’Sullivan told how O’Shea was involved in the Catholic Boy Scouts since 1972, serving as both diocesan commissioner and a regional commissioner. He was also a director of the Mellory Centre, used as a holiday outlet. The application to have O’Shea’s identity disclosed was granted by Mr Justice Paul Carney on the application of counsel Anthony Sammon, for the Director of Public Prosecutions. Mr Justice O’Donovan, who told the jury in June 2000 he “wholeheartedly agreed” with their verdicts, said the then 13-year-old boy was subject to prolonged cross-examination in the trial, in all likelihood on the instructions of O’Shea, who had accused the boy of fabricating a story and his family of colluding with him. “I reject what you say,” said the judge. “You abused a vulnerable young boy with learning difficulties entrusted into your care. “Despite the jury’s finding, you persist in denying guilt. It seems to me, as the probation report states, you have paedophile tendencies.” He was advised by the probation officer O’Shea was a serious risk to society and he (judge) had no doubt society had to be protected and that the boy suffered post-traumatic stress. The only mitigating circumstance was O’Shea “had no previous convictions, and very loyal friends.” The boy’s mother said the rapes had a negative effect on him and the family. His behaviour changed and his sister and brothers were also affected. He constantly checked behind doors and windows and had an eating disorder. When the mother said she wanted the lay teacher’s name published the judge said then it “wasn’t possible at present” for legal reasons.