JOHN McCABE FROM FINGLAS SENTENCED FOR ABUSE AT DUBLIN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
| Red Rose Database
Finglas Sexual Abuser
In March 2015, a disturbing case involving John McCabe, a former Christian Brother residing in Finglas, came to the forefront of public attention. McCabe, aged 55 at the time, was implicated in a series of heinous acts committed against three young boys who attended a school for the deaf in Dublin. The abuse spanned from 1981 to 1984, during which McCabe, then a staff member at the boarding school, engaged in repeated acts of sexual assault against the profoundly deaf children.
McCabe's crimes were brought to light after years of silence and investigation. The victims, who had communicated solely through sign language due to their deafness, had their suffering acknowledged in court. The first complaint was made in 2000, and subsequent interviews with McCabe occurred in 2007, during which he admitted to his wrongdoings and provided full video-taped confessions. These admissions were considered highly credible by the court, especially given that McCabe chose to speak openly rather than remain silent.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, McCabe pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault. The court heard that the assaults involved two of the boys repeatedly and one incident involving the third. The victims, now in their 40s, had waived their right to anonymity to ensure McCabe's name was publicly disclosed, a decision that underscored their courage and the gravity of the crimes committed against them.
The court was informed that McCabe's offenses occurred within the boys' residence at St Joseph’s boarding school in Cabra, Dublin. The abuse was particularly egregious because it exploited the vulnerability of children who relied entirely on sign language for communication. The court also noted that McCabe, at one point, attempted to cover his tracks by contacting the father of one of the boys when it appeared a complaint might be made.
In sentencing, the court acknowledged the serious nature of the crimes. Initially, McCabe was sentenced to 12 years in prison with three years suspended by Judge Martin Nolan on May 9, 2012. However, this sentence was later reduced on appeal. The Court of Appeal, citing a recent legal decision that the maximum sentence for such offenses in the 1980s was two years rather than ten, found that the original sentence was based on an incorrect legal framework. As a result, the court imposed a new sentence of five years, to be served consecutively for each of the three victims, totaling seven years.
The court emphasized that the offenses were committed by a man in a position of authority and trust, exploiting vulnerable children for his own gratification. The psychological report presented during the case indicated that McCabe was not at high risk of re-offending and had taken significant steps toward rehabilitation. His personal circumstances had changed; he was now married with a child, and he had left the Christian Brothers.
Justice George Birmingham, speaking on behalf of the Court of Appeal, highlighted the gravity of the crimes and the bravery of the victims who chose to speak out. The court expressed admiration for their courage in confronting their past and waived their right to anonymity to ensure McCabe's identity was known. The judges acknowledged the profound impact of the abuse and the importance of holding offenders accountable.
Following the court's decision, John McCabe was returned to prison to serve out his new sentence of five years. The case remains a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of children in institutional care and the importance of justice for victims of abuse, especially when committed by those entrusted with their care.
McCabe's crimes were brought to light after years of silence and investigation. The victims, who had communicated solely through sign language due to their deafness, had their suffering acknowledged in court. The first complaint was made in 2000, and subsequent interviews with McCabe occurred in 2007, during which he admitted to his wrongdoings and provided full video-taped confessions. These admissions were considered highly credible by the court, especially given that McCabe chose to speak openly rather than remain silent.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, McCabe pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault. The court heard that the assaults involved two of the boys repeatedly and one incident involving the third. The victims, now in their 40s, had waived their right to anonymity to ensure McCabe's name was publicly disclosed, a decision that underscored their courage and the gravity of the crimes committed against them.
The court was informed that McCabe's offenses occurred within the boys' residence at St Joseph’s boarding school in Cabra, Dublin. The abuse was particularly egregious because it exploited the vulnerability of children who relied entirely on sign language for communication. The court also noted that McCabe, at one point, attempted to cover his tracks by contacting the father of one of the boys when it appeared a complaint might be made.
In sentencing, the court acknowledged the serious nature of the crimes. Initially, McCabe was sentenced to 12 years in prison with three years suspended by Judge Martin Nolan on May 9, 2012. However, this sentence was later reduced on appeal. The Court of Appeal, citing a recent legal decision that the maximum sentence for such offenses in the 1980s was two years rather than ten, found that the original sentence was based on an incorrect legal framework. As a result, the court imposed a new sentence of five years, to be served consecutively for each of the three victims, totaling seven years.
The court emphasized that the offenses were committed by a man in a position of authority and trust, exploiting vulnerable children for his own gratification. The psychological report presented during the case indicated that McCabe was not at high risk of re-offending and had taken significant steps toward rehabilitation. His personal circumstances had changed; he was now married with a child, and he had left the Christian Brothers.
Justice George Birmingham, speaking on behalf of the Court of Appeal, highlighted the gravity of the crimes and the bravery of the victims who chose to speak out. The court expressed admiration for their courage in confronting their past and waived their right to anonymity to ensure McCabe's identity was known. The judges acknowledged the profound impact of the abuse and the importance of holding offenders accountable.
Following the court's decision, John McCabe was returned to prison to serve out his new sentence of five years. The case remains a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of children in institutional care and the importance of justice for victims of abuse, especially when committed by those entrusted with their care.