PAUL O’MAIRTHINI FROM CO LOUTH, ORKNEY, AND PERTH SENTENCED FOR ABUSE OF BOYS

In a case that has shocked communities across multiple regions, Paul O’Mairthini, a man originally from County Louth, has been sentenced to over eight years in prison for the abuse of four young boys. The crimes took place across different locations, including Perth in Scotland, where the abuse began, as well as in Orkney and his native Ireland.

O’Mairthini, aged 42 at the time of sentencing, was found guilty of a series of serious offenses, including acting in a lewd and libidinous manner, indecent assault, and failing to appear for his trial. The court heard that he had initially been scheduled to stand trial in April but managed to evade justice by fleeing to Ireland after a sheriff granted him bail. His escape was only uncovered after he was taken to hospital following a fire at one of his properties.

The details of his criminal conduct reveal a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned several years. It was established that O’Mairthini first met his initial victim in the early 1990s while living in Perth, Scotland. During this period, he repeatedly subjected the young boy, who was between 14 and 18 years old at the time, to sexual abuse. The court was told that one of his victims was in his care as a means of escaping a troubled upbringing, which underscores the manipulative and predatory nature of his actions.

Further investigations revealed that O’Mairthini’s abuse extended to other boys as well. One victim was just 11 years old when he was first targeted, and another was a 15-year-old placed into his foster care. The abuse continued with a 17-year-old, highlighting the extent of his misconduct while in positions of trust. His move to Scotland in 1990 was initially for work as an assistant manager at an outdoor centre near Dunkeld, Perthshire, and he also led children’s summer camps in America. Later, in 2001, he relocated to Orkney to work for the local council, but he left that position after a year and attempted to start a restaurant, which eventually closed.

During his appearance at the High Court in Paisley for sentencing, Lady Dorrian was informed that assessments by a psychological expert indicated that O’Mairthini posed a high risk of re-offending. The judge emphasized that his acts of abuse, committed while in trusted roles, were particularly grave. One of the offenses was committed while his victim was in foster care, further highlighting the betrayal of trust involved. As part of the court’s decision, O’Mairthini’s details will be shared with Scottish ministers to ensure that measures are put in place to prevent him from working with children in the future, thereby safeguarding potential future victims.