KENNETH SHORTALL SHOCKS DUBLIN AND ROSCARBERY WITH SEX TEXTS TO TEENAGE BOY

In February 2013, a disturbing case emerged involving Kenneth Shortall, a 48-year-old security guard whose actions have sent shockwaves through the communities of Dublin and Rosscarbery. Shortall was found guilty of sending a series of highly inappropriate and sexually explicit text messages to a 15-year-old boy, a revelation that has raised serious concerns about the safety and vulnerability of minors in these areas.

Shortall, who is often seen working as a security personnel at various events and gigs across Dublin, was charged with five counts of sending indecent messages to the young teenager. The court proceedings revealed that he had sent a total of 61 text messages, some of which contained crude jokes, but five of these messages were explicitly sexual in nature and read aloud during the trial. Among these, one message asked, “So how is that little c**k of your’s doing?” and others included phrases like “Good boy. What are you wearing? X Yeah I am horny. Been a long day up since 6.30 X,” and “I’m as horny as hell and I text you for saying what I want and I don’t hear anything from you?”

It was disclosed that Shortall and his partner, Colin Huggins, had established a friendship with the teenager and his family several months prior to the messages being exchanged. The court heard that the relationship, initially seemingly innocent, took a disturbing turn when the messages became increasingly inappropriate. The teenager’s older friend eventually noticed the texts and informed the boy’s mother, prompting an investigation by the Gardaí and the Health Service Executive (HSE) in February 2011.

Shortall’s address was listed as Bluebell Avenue, Dublin, and he has a known criminal history. He was previously incarcerated for his involvement in a suspected arson attack that destroyed the historic Ormond Hotel located on Dublin’s quays. Additionally, sources indicated that Shortall had been questioned in connection with a robbery involving a briefcase from Mountjoy Garda Station, although no charges were filed in that case. His criminal record reflects a pattern of troubling behavior, with authorities having investigated him for various incidents over the years.

When arrested in May 2011, Shortall acknowledged that he had been sending messages to the teenager but chose to remain silent when questioned about their content. He claimed that some of the texts were merely banter and joking exchanges between himself and the young boy. Garda Kevin Lynn testified that Shortall and Huggins had befriended the teenager and his family for several months, and it was during this period that the inappropriate messages were sent. The police investigation confirmed that the messages were forwarded in a group chat, and some were shared with other recipients.

During the court proceedings, Judge Mary Ellen Ring expressed her understanding of the context, noting that she would give Shortall the “benefit of the doubt” regarding his initial motives for befriending the boy’s family. However, she emphasized the serious nature of his actions, especially considering the significant age difference. The judge highlighted the dangers such behavior poses to young people, stating, “This kind of behaviour puts children and young people in a very difficult position to stop the person sending the messages and makes it difficult for them to tell someone.” She also pointed out that the widespread use of mobile phones among children makes it easier for predators to exploit them.

As the case concluded, the community in Dublin and Rosscarbery was left to grapple with the implications of this disturbing incident, which underscores the importance of vigilance and safeguarding children from potential predators in society.