JAMES CURRAN FROM CROSS, LONDONDERRY AND OMAGH ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE CASE

In a case that has shocked the communities of Cross, Londonderry, and Omagh, James Curran, a man with a dark history of child sexual abuse, has once again made headlines after receiving a surprisingly lenient sentence that has left victims and their families devastated.

Curran, who is now known as Jim Curran and resides in Omagh, was previously from Highmoor Road, Cross, Londonderry. His criminal history dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, during which he sexually abused three young sisters over an extended period. Despite the severity of his crimes, he was handed a sentence of just three years probation after admitting to the charges in December 2002.

The case initially drew significant attention when Curran appeared in Derry Crown Court, where Judge Corinne Philpott decided that a probation period was sufficient punishment. The victims, now adults, were left reeling from the court's decision, which they described as a betrayal of justice. They had suffered in silence for years, only discovering their shared victimization seven years prior to the court ruling, when one of the sisters confided in a relative about her past.

The abuse had taken place over an eight-year span, from 1968 to 1976, during which Curran groomed the girls to facilitate his predatory behavior. The sisters, who now live in different parts of Ireland, including Dublin, revealed that they had kept their suffering secret for decades, fearing retaliation and shame. It was only after their mother’s death in recent years that they found the courage to speak out publicly.

Following the court's decision, outrage erupted among the victims and their families. They expressed their profound disappointment and pain, stating that the light sentence had reopened old wounds. One victim remarked, “His punishment has torn us to shreds. It’s our worst Christmas ever.” They also voiced concerns that Curran’s apparent lack of remorse and the leniency of his sentence might discourage other victims from coming forward in the future.

In the aftermath of the sentencing, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) announced that the case would be referred back to the Attorney General for review. The DPP argued that the sentence was unduly lenient given the gravity of Curran’s crimes. The Attorney General’s office is now considering whether to send the case back to the Court of Appeal, seeking a harsher punishment.

Meanwhile, Curran remains at large in the Omagh area, with local speculation suggesting he may attempt to relocate to the Irish Republic, possibly in County Donegal. Notably, just five months prior to the court ruling, Curran was seen stopping beside one of his victims and flashing her an unsettling smile, reminiscent of his demeanor in court.

The victims continue their fight for justice, hoping that the legal system will ultimately hold Curran accountable for his actions. Their ordeal highlights the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of childhood sexual abuse and underscores the importance of a justice system that delivers appropriate punishment for such heinous crimes.