GERRY HOPKINS GALWAY SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ATTACK ON CHILD AT HALLOWE’EN PARTY

In a case that has shocked the community of Galway, Gerry Hopkins, a 45-year-old man from Pairc na gCaor, Moycullen, was sentenced to a total of five years in prison for a heinous sexual assault committed against his daughter’s six-year-old friend. The court heard that Hopkins’s crime took place during a Halloween sleep-over at his residence, an event that was supposed to be a fun and innocent gathering but turned into a nightmare for the young victim.

Gerry Hopkins pleaded guilty to the charges when he first appeared before Galway Circuit Criminal Court in October 2016. The court was informed that the assault occurred on the night of October 27, 2015, and the case was subsequently adjourned to May 2017 to allow for the preparation of detailed reports. The gravity of the offense was evident as the court was presented with a harrowing victim impact statement from the girl’s father, who described the trauma inflicted upon his daughter.

The young girl had been attending a Halloween party hosted at Hopkins’ home, where she was allowed to stay overnight along with her best friend. Both sets of parents had maintained a close friendship prior to the incident, which made the betrayal even more profound. During the night, while the children were asleep in bed, Hopkins entered the room and, in a disturbing breach of trust, got into bed beside them. He then leaned over his own daughter and subjected the six-year-old girl to a prolonged sexual assault that lasted approximately 30 minutes.

The victim, upon awakening, chose to feign sleep in an attempt to avoid further harm. Garda Paul Duffy, who testified last year, described the assault in detail, stating that the girl cried out in pain as Hopkins began to hurt her. Despite her distress, Hopkins continued his assault, waiting for her to stop crying before resuming his abuse. The court was told that Hopkins, described as “a bit of a loner who had no friends,” showed no mercy during the attack.

The young girl confided in her mother the following night while getting ready for bed. Her parents were devastated to learn of the assault, and the girl’s father recounted the trauma her endured, including the invasive medical examinations and questioning by strangers after the complaint was made. Hopkins initially denied the allegations during two Garda interviews, claiming his memory was vague due to intoxication on the night of the assault. However, he eventually admitted that he could see no reason why the child would fabricate such a story.

The victim’s father expressed his anguish, describing how his daughter now struggles with sleep, whimpering and pushing him away when he tries to comfort her. He lamented that Hopkins’s actions had robbed his daughter of her innocence and her ability to trust adults. The father also revealed that his daughter had told her parents to tell Hopkins that he had hurt her and scared her.

In contrast, Hopkins’ partner defended him in court, describing him as an “extremely kind, warm and loving person” and a good father. Following the incident, Hopkins was required to move out of his family home while Tusla, the child protection agency, conducted a risk assessment of his children’s safety. The assessment concluded that his children were not at risk of abuse, and Hopkins was permitted to return home.

Judge Rory McCabe, after considering all evidence, decided to place Hopkins on the Sex Offender’s Register and sentenced him to five years in prison, with the final two years suspended. The judge emphasized that the severity of the crime warranted a custodial sentence and that the suspension was a reflection of the progress Hopkins had made, including attending a Safer Lives sex offenders programme in Dublin and complying with bail conditions. However, due to an incomplete risk assessment by the probation service, the judge deferred the final sentencing for one year, requiring Hopkins to attend all probation appointments and adhere to all directives during this period.

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutor Geri Silke stated that the girl’s parents wanted Hopkins to be publicly named. Defense counsel John Kiely SC noted that Hopkins had ceased drinking and was complying with all bail conditions. The court was told that Hopkins was actively participating in the sex offenders programme and was committed to rehabilitation.

Judge McCabe concluded that a custodial sentence was unavoidable given the “gross betrayal of trust and breach of friendship” by Hopkins. The five-year sentence was imposed, with the final two years suspended on the condition that Hopkins does not reoffend and remains under supervision for 18 months after his release. He is also required to complete the Safer Lives programme and follow all probation service instructions, aiming to prevent any future harm and ensure accountability for his actions.