PATRICK MAGUIRE'S SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE IN NAVAN AND CO MEATH: EX-PRIEST ESCAPES JAIL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Navan and the wider Co Meath area, Patrick Maguire, a former priest with a long history of criminal offenses, has narrowly avoided imprisonment after being handed a three-year suspended sentence for the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old altar boy nearly three decades ago.

Patrick Maguire, now aged 77, is currently residing under strict supervision with the Columban Fathers at Dalgan Park in Navan, Co Meath. His guilty plea was entered at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where he admitted to indecently assaulting the young boy in Dublin between January 1, 1983, and December 31, 1984. The court heard that the abuse ceased after Maguire visited the victim’s mother and inquired about her son’s age.

Following this visit, the victim received a letter from Maguire along with a postal order for £2.50. In the note, Maguire expressed remorse, apologizing for his actions and stating that he should not have interfered with young children. The boy, feeling afraid to hand the postal order to his mother, gave it to another priest who cashed it on his behalf. This priest later informed the boy that Maguire had left the parish, adding a layer of complexity to the case.

It is noteworthy that Maguire had previously received a three-year suspended sentence from Judge Mary Ellen in January of the previous year for sexually abusing a ten-year-old boy in 1981. His criminal record is extensive, with a total of 13 prior convictions for similar offenses, including a six-year sentence handed down by Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court in 2000. Maguire is also registered as a sex offender, highlighting the severity and persistence of his criminal behavior.

Garda Ronan McMorrow provided testimony to prosecutor Pieter Le Vert BL, revealing that the now 43-year-old victim continues to suffer from psychological trauma resulting from the abuse. The victim experiences self-harm, depression, flashbacks, trust issues, and panic attacks, illustrating the long-lasting impact of Maguire’s actions.

Maguire’s arrest in December 2010 followed a complaint made by the victim to the Gardaí in August of that year. During subsequent interviews, Maguire admitted to having an addiction at the time and acknowledged that he had spent considerable time around children. He described an incident where he cuddled the boy in bed while both were naked, claiming it was “a loving touching and caressing,” which he insisted was mutual. Maguire also stated that he had recently returned from Japan, where he claimed nudity was culturally acceptable.

During the investigation, Maguire revealed that he had completed a treatment program, during which he created a timeline chart of his abusive behavior, listing his victims. The chart indicated that the first name on the list was associated with the year 1984, confirming that he had abused the altar boy during that period.

Shane Costelloe BL, defending Maguire, asked Garda McMorrow to pass on his client’s “sincere apologies for his behaviour” to the victim. The garda confirmed that Maguire has been complying with the conditions of his suspended sentence and the terms set by the court.

Judge Ring emphasized the profound harm caused by Maguire, describing it as “unspeakable,” especially considering the victim’s vulnerability at the time. She acknowledged that Maguire is now living under the supervision of the order he was associated with during the offenses and stated that it was appropriate for the order, rather than the State, to bear the costs of his supervision. The judge also noted that Maguire’s case was similar to a previous one in January, which resulted in the same suspended sentence, and she considered this in her sentencing decision.