KEITH SCULLY'S HORRIFIC ABUSE IN CO MEATH: A SURVIVOR'S COURAGEOUS TRUTH REVEALED

In June 2018, a deeply disturbing case emerged from Co Meath, Ireland, shedding light on the prolonged and heinous abuse inflicted by Keith Scully upon his sister, Cheryl Scully. The details of this case reveal a story of unimaginable suffering, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for justice.

Cheryl Scully, a woman from Kells, Co Meath, who now resides in Co Cavan, bravely shared her harrowing experience of being sexually assaulted by her older brother, Keith Scully, aged 29 at the time of conviction. Her testimony uncovered a dark chapter that spanned over two decades, beginning when she was merely five years old. Despite her disabilities—being blind in one eye, suffering from epilepsy, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and hyperventilation—Cheryl chose to speak out publicly, waiving her right to anonymity to warn others and seek justice.

The court proceedings revealed that Keith Scully was convicted of sexually abusing Cheryl on three separate occasions between 2003 and 2005. The court in Trim Circuit, Co Meath, sentenced him to three years of suspended imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to the charges. The severity of his actions and the length of the abuse shocked many, especially considering the fact that he remains on the Sex Offenders’ Register. Despite this, Keith Scully did not serve time in prison, a fact that has left Cheryl feeling betrayed and devastated.

Cheryl recounted the beginning of her nightmare, explaining that her brother’s abuse started when she was just five years old. She described how he would watch her in the shower, touch her inappropriately, and even take photographs of her. Her account detailed how the abuse was relentless, occurring almost daily while he was living at home, and continued even after he left their family residence. She described her brother’s demeanor during these assaults as possessing an evil look in his eyes, often accompanied by laughter that made her feel utterly powerless and terrified.

Her suffering was compounded by the physical and emotional trauma she endured. Cheryl suffers from sleep paralysis, severe panic attacks, nightmares, and has battled suicidal thoughts and self-harm. Her mental health struggles led her to seek emergency medical attention multiple times and to be admitted to psychiatric units on two separate occasions. She expressed her profound sense of loss, stating that her family’s failure to protect her and her brother’s continued freedom have left her feeling isolated and betrayed. "He should have been protecting me as an older brother but he was Satan," she said, emphasizing her view of her brother’s malevolence.

Cheryl’s courage in coming forward was driven by her desire to prevent others from suffering as she did. She openly discussed how her brother’s abuse affected her life, leading to feelings of despair and hopelessness. She revealed that she had given her brother money for a trip to America, intending to save for her own future home, but now regrets that decision, knowing it was used to facilitate her brother’s escape from accountability. She lamented the fact that her brother now lives a normal life—working, having a family, and owning a house—while she feels like a criminal on the run, burdened by the trauma and loss she has endured.

During the court hearing, the victim’s mother, Deirdre, expressed concern that Keith Scully might take his own life if imprisoned, a statement that added emotional weight to the proceedings. However, Judge Michael O’Shea praised Cheryl for her bravery in coming forward, affirming that she had been believed and vindicated. The judge’s comments underscored the importance of her courage in seeking justice, despite the ongoing pain and the perceived shortcomings of the legal outcome.

Cheryl’s decision to speak out was also motivated by her fear that her brother would return home for Christmas in 2014, which prompted her to take action. Her story highlights the devastating impact of long-term abuse and the resilience required to confront such trauma publicly. Her case continues to resonate as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring that justice is truly served, especially in cases involving family members and hidden suffering.