Menu
03/07/2012
8 Years For Cork Priest Who Abused And Tried To Rape Child
A priest has been given an eight-year sentence for the sexual assault and attempted rape of a young girl and sexually assaulting her brother more than 30 years ago in West Cork.
73-year-old John Calnan, of The Presbytery, Paul Street, Cork, pleaded guilty to the attempted rape of the girl between January 1st, 1980, and April 30th, 1980, in west Cork.
The girl was just seven years old at the time.
Calnan also admitted three counts of sexually assaulting the girl between October 25th, 1976 and October 24th, 1979.
He further admitted one count of sexual assault of the girl’s brother between August 10th, 1975 and October 9th, 1979. The victim was aged between nine and 12 at the time.
The female victim told her mother, who in turn went to a member of the clergy about it. Shortly afterwards, Calnan was moved to another parish.
Prosecuting counsel, Alice Fawsitt SC, told Mr Justice Paul Carney the accused “admitted to paedophile tendencies” towards the girl and that there was “a grooming process”.
Mr Justice Carney imposed concurrent sentences totalling eight years and suspended the final three years, taking into account mitigating factors such as Calnan’s guilty plea, his lack of convictions and the state of his health.
He also ordered 18 months’ post-release supervision and that Calnan stay away from his victims in perpetuity.
The matter was first reported to gardaí in west Cork in May 2010.
(H/GK)
73-year-old John Calnan, of The Presbytery, Paul Street, Cork, pleaded guilty to the attempted rape of the girl between January 1st, 1980, and April 30th, 1980, in west Cork.
The girl was just seven years old at the time.
Calnan also admitted three counts of sexually assaulting the girl between October 25th, 1976 and October 24th, 1979.
He further admitted one count of sexual assault of the girl’s brother between August 10th, 1975 and October 9th, 1979. The victim was aged between nine and 12 at the time.
The female victim told her mother, who in turn went to a member of the clergy about it. Shortly afterwards, Calnan was moved to another parish.
Prosecuting counsel, Alice Fawsitt SC, told Mr Justice Paul Carney the accused “admitted to paedophile tendencies” towards the girl and that there was “a grooming process”.
Mr Justice Carney imposed concurrent sentences totalling eight years and suspended the final three years, taking into account mitigating factors such as Calnan’s guilty plea, his lack of convictions and the state of his health.
He also ordered 18 months’ post-release supervision and that Calnan stay away from his victims in perpetuity.
The matter was first reported to gardaí in west Cork in May 2010.
(H/GK)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 May 2019
Major Infrastructure Proposal For Cork Published
The National Transport Authority has published the draft of a major infrastructure plan for Cork.
Major Infrastructure Proposal For Cork Published
The National Transport Authority has published the draft of a major infrastructure plan for Cork.
29 September 2015
New Transatlantic Flights Announced At Cork Airport
The news that transatlantic routes are to be added at Cork Airport has been described as "great news for the city and county" and a "huge boost for tourism and business throughout the Munster region".
New Transatlantic Flights Announced At Cork Airport
The news that transatlantic routes are to be added at Cork Airport has been described as "great news for the city and county" and a "huge boost for tourism and business throughout the Munster region".
05 January 2018
Man Due In Court Charged With Murder Of Marek Swider
A 38-year-old man is due to appear in court this morning charged in connection with the murder of Marek Swider. Mr Swider, 40, was fatally stabbed on New Years Eve on Dublin Road, Ballyjamesduff in Cork. The suspect was arrested in Cork city on 04 January.
Man Due In Court Charged With Murder Of Marek Swider
A 38-year-old man is due to appear in court this morning charged in connection with the murder of Marek Swider. Mr Swider, 40, was fatally stabbed on New Years Eve on Dublin Road, Ballyjamesduff in Cork. The suspect was arrested in Cork city on 04 January.
15 January 2016
Sinn Féin Urge Cork Voters To Reject Council Merger Plan
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has criticised a plan to merge Cork City and County Councils, which he said would be "detrimental" for the city. Mr Adams called on Cork voters to demand the rejection of the current Fine Gael/Labour proposals in favour of a comprehensive and democratic plan for Cork.
Sinn Féin Urge Cork Voters To Reject Council Merger Plan
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has criticised a plan to merge Cork City and County Councils, which he said would be "detrimental" for the city. Mr Adams called on Cork voters to demand the rejection of the current Fine Gael/Labour proposals in favour of a comprehensive and democratic plan for Cork.
25 April 2019
Weekend Weather Warnings As Storm Hannah Brings High Winds
Met Éireann has issued status orange and yellow weather warnings for the weekend as Storm Hannah moves in. People are being urged to prepare for possible disruption and power outages from Friday afternoon.
Weekend Weather Warnings As Storm Hannah Brings High Winds
Met Éireann has issued status orange and yellow weather warnings for the weekend as Storm Hannah moves in. People are being urged to prepare for possible disruption and power outages from Friday afternoon.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
