PETER MORRISON FROM DUNDALK SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN NORTH COUNTY DUBLIN

In a case that has shocked the community of Dundalk and the surrounding areas in north County Dublin, Peter Morrison, aged 59, was sentenced to nine years in prison for heinous sexual offenses committed against his then teenage stepdaughter. The sentencing took place at the Central Criminal Court, presided over by Mr. Justice Paul Carney, who acknowledged the gravity of the crimes and the impact on the victim.

Peter Morrison, with an address listed on Bridge Street in Dundalk, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and four sample charges of indecent assault. These offenses spanned a period from May 1981 to November 1984, during which the victim was between the ages of 11 and 16. The court heard that Morrison’s actions were both sexually and psychologically abusive, leaving deep scars on the victim’s life.

During the hearing, the victim, now a 34-year-old mother, bravely read a statement to the court. She implored for her abuser’s name to be disclosed in media reports, emphasizing the importance of public awareness. In her statement, she described Morrison as “a pathetic image of a man with no shame,” and recounted how her childhood was irreparably damaged by his sexual and mental abuse. She expressed her feelings of betrayal, stating that Morrison believed it was his right to do as he pleased with her because he provided her with a roof over her head. She also made a poignant remark that she was not his “flesh and blood,” highlighting the emotional distance and betrayal she felt.

The victim further described her complex feelings, revealing that at times she wished for Morrison to suffer a slow, painful death. However, she acknowledged that such thoughts were not the right course of action and expressed a desire to move forward with her life.

Inspector Joseph Kelly provided additional context, revealing that the abuse took place when the victim was between 11 and 16 years old, and that her mother was not present in the house during these incidents. He also noted that Morrison had a prior conviction, having received an 18-month sentence in 1999 for a sexual assault on a work colleague. Following this earlier conviction, Gardaí re-contacted Morrison’s stepdaughter, which led her to decide to pursue justice through the courts.

Defense counsel Barry White SC acknowledged Morrison’s troubled background, stating that he had been abused as a child himself and struggled with alcohol problems. However, he emphasized that these factors did not serve as an excuse for his actions.

In his sentencing remarks, Mr. Justice Carney sentenced Morrison to nine years for the rape charges. He also imposed a four-year concurrent sentence for the indecent assault charges, with the final 18 months of Morrison’s sentence suspended, taking into account his guilty plea and remorse. The case has left a lasting impact on the Dundalk community, highlighting the importance of addressing and preventing such grave abuses of trust and power.