Sentencing delayed for man who sexually abused 15 children

SENTENCING was delayed in the case of a man who sexually abused at least 15 children in west Cork when some were as young as two.

Kevin Scully, aged 26, of Glounaphuca, Caharagh, Drimoleague, Co Cork, was brought to Cork Circuit Criminal Court to be sentenced for his sex crimes yesterday but it emerged that further reports were necessary before sentencing.

Prosecution senior counsel, Tom Creed, said: “My application is to adjourn. We are still short reports.”

Defence senior counsel, Marjorie Farrelly, said one of the reports awaited by the prosecution was from the Central Mental Hospital and she asked that the defence would have the report sufficiently in advance of the sentencing date so that they could deal with its contents.

Judge Patrick J Moran agreed to adjourn sentencing. He also asked counsel on both sides to prepare submissions on the issue of sentencing.

He then remanded the accused in custody till February 25 for sentencing.

Detective Garda Bart O’Leary previously outlined the background to the case.

The defendant told some children he would kill them if they told their parents.

Other children were told that if they told their mother then they would be in trouble with their parents and that he (Scully) would not stop doing what he was doing to them.

Victim impact reports were not prepared.

Judge Moran said he needed to hear from social workers about the impact of the crimes on the children, who were aged between two and eight when the crimes were committed.

Gardaí were initially dealing with one case, but Scully gave them information about other sexual assaults.