JOHN O’CONNELL SENTENCED IN CASTLEISLAND, CO KERRY FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF FOUR GIRLS

In a significant case that has shocked the community of Castleisland, Co Kerry, John O’Connell, a 59-year-old local farmer, was handed down an eight-year prison sentence after being found guilty of multiple sexual assault charges involving four young girls. The conviction followed a lengthy trial at the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee, where O’Connell faced a total of 29 separate charges, all related to incidents that occurred over a span of more than six years, from July 2002 to October 2008.

These heinous acts were committed at various locations, including private residences, a vehicle, and O’Connell’s own work van. The victims, whose ages ranged from 10 to 15 at the time of the assaults, endured a series of traumatic experiences that have left indelible scars. The court heard that 17 charges pertained to one victim, eight to another, three to a third girl, and one to the fourth girl, illustrating the extent of O’Connell’s alleged misconduct.

During the trial, a teenage girl, one of the victims, expressed her concerns about the court process, requesting that future hearings in similar cases be conducted behind closed doors to protect victims’ privacy. Speaking outside the court, she described the trial as almost as difficult as the abuse itself, citing the distress caused by the public nature of proceedings and the listening ears of outsiders. She emphasized the importance of making the judicial process less traumatic for victims, asserting that despite the pain, coming forward was ultimately worthwhile.

“If nobody comes forward, the only person that has won is the perpetrator,” she stated, highlighting the importance of justice and victim support.

O’Connell, a farmer who owns a 50-acre farm in the area, also worked with the water services department of Kerry County Council. He is a father to an adult son and has been separated from the boy’s mother. For the past 23 years, he has maintained a relationship with another woman. The court heard how the abuse has profoundly affected the victims’ lives. The youngest victim, who bravely testified, described how the abuse robbed her of her childhood and caused turmoil within her family. Despite her suffering, she expressed her determination to build a positive future, stating, “I know that the abuse will be part of my life but I am determined to make it a good life.”

Another victim, now 23 years old, shared her ongoing struggles, revealing that she has been treated for depression and an eating disorder as a consequence of the abuse. Garda Emma Mullane read a statement from yet another victim, who expressed her hatred for O’Connell and described how her life has been drastically altered by his actions. She also mentioned the difficulty she faces when looking at childhood photos and videos, which serve as painful reminders of her trauma.

Despite denying all charges, O’Connell was convicted by a jury after nearly seven hours of deliberation, with majority verdicts on all counts. Judge Carroll Moran, presiding over the case, described the lasting damage inflicted on the victims, stating that they had been scarred for life and robbed of their childhoods. He sentenced O’Connell to eight years in prison and rejected his application for leave to appeal.

Following the sentencing, Vera O’Leary, director of the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, commended the victims for their bravery in pursuing justice under such difficult circumstances. She praised their courage for breaking their silence, which she said has encouraged other victims to come forward and seek justice, fostering a community more aware and supportive of survivors of sexual abuse.