Retired D4 guesthouse owner jailed for historic abuse of niece

A retired guesthouse owner has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment following his conviction for the sexual abuse of his young niece during a 1985 summer visit from America. John Prior, aged 68, of Orchard Lane, Herbert Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin, was convicted on two counts of indecent assault at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The offences occurred at Hartley House, Merrion Road, between July and August 1985, when the victim was eleven years old and staying with relatives in Leitrim and Dublin. Prior had initially denied five counts of indecent assault, but a jury failed to reach verdicts on three remaining charges following trial earlier this month. The now 42-year-old victim provided evidence of two separate incidents and subsequently reported suffering post-traumatic stress disorder. Judge Nolan noted the case involved assaults with profound effects on the victim and significant family disruption. The judge acknowledged Prior's charitable contributions but found he had abused his position of trust. Prior has no previous convictions.