Principal ‘stole youth’ of victims

A judge said yesterday a retired 80-year-old school principal had “stolen the youth” of his victims and robbed them of their childhood during sex abuse over a 21-year period.

Judge Gerald Keyes made his comments at Ennis Circuit Court when sentencing Patrick Barry, of Well Rd, Kilkee, Co Clare, to 11 years imprisonment for the sexual assault of 11 schoolgirls at Moyasta NS between 1964 and 1985.

The final five years were suspended in light of Barry’s age and health.