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Appeal court upholds 10-year sentence imposed on ex-priest who abused 18 boys
Summary
Peter Kennedy, aged 75, was convicted of 27 counts of indecent assault against 18 boys over an 18‑year period from 1968 to 1986. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan to 10 years' imprisonment on one count, with all other counts considered. The appeal was dismissed by Justice George Birmingham, who noted that a consecutive sentencing on each count would not have benefited Kennedy. He highlighted that all complainants were schoolboys, except one, and that the abuse had a profound impact, with many victims experiencing long‑term difficulties. Birmingham affirmed that Kennedy's sentence was within the judge's discretion and that there had been no offences since 1986. The judgment was delivered in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 8 July 2013, and the appeal was rejected on 16 December 2014.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Appeal court upholds 10-year sentence imposed on ex-priest who abused 18 boys. Charges or matters: 27 counts of indecent assault in various areas of the country between 1968 and 1986. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- July 8, 2013 Incident
- 1968 and 1986 Incident
- 2014-12-16 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: 27 counts of indecent assault in various areas of the country between 1968 and 1986 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on one count with all other counts taken into consideration by Judge Martin Nolan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on July 8, 2013. However, if the judge had sentenced Kennedy on each count consecutively, it may not have been to his benefit, Mr Justice Birmingham said.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Appeal Violent Crime
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