Need for sex offender rehab highlighted by Court of Appeal

The Court of Appeal has spoken of society’s need to rehabilitate sex offenders in the case of a man jailed for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy “hours” after completing a six-year sentence for another sexual assault.

John Prendiville, aged 50, of no fixed abode, had pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to sexually assaulting the boy at a B&B in Co Kerry on May 12, 2012.

He was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment with the final two suspended on January 26, 2015.

Prendiville successfully appealed his sentence yesterday at the Court of Appeal. The suspended period of his jail sentence was increased by one year on condition that he seek out psychological counselling in jail and complete all courses offered to him. Post-release supervision of Prendiville was also extended from 18 months to two years.

In this case, 12 years was “entirely appropriate”, Mr Justice Alan Mahon said yesterday.

However, something had to be incorporated so that when he is released, the public will be protected, Mr Justice Mahon said.