A boy trapped in intolerable cruelty

TEENAGERS are always seeking out refuges; places to escape to. For many, their bedroom is one such sanctuary – a private space where they can get lost in music, hang with their friends or just be.

But the young teenager at the centre of the west of Ireland abuse case had nowhere to run to, nobody to turn to; nowhere he was safe from harm.

His tormentors reigned over the family home while the wider family, his teachers, social workers, gardaí and the community at large were powerless or thought it was some one else’s responsibility.