Man jailed for sexually abusing boys at soccer club

A Wicklow man described as having "homosexual paedophilic tendencies" has been jailed for three years for sexually abusing young boys while managing a soccer club.

Padraig Cullen (aged 47), an unmarried labourer, of Mellows Avenue, Arklow was extradited from England last year. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three charges relating to one victim and had two other counts relating to two other boys taken into consideration.

Judge Yyonne Murphy directed that his name be added to the sexual offenders register and that he undergo two years post-release supervision.

She also recommended that he participate in the sex offenders counselling programme before his release from custody. She accepted his remorse was genuine.

Judge Murphy noted there was no evidence of violence or penetration and noted the psychiatric report showed Cullen had been sexually abused when 10 years old by a person in authority. He has been in custody since his extradition.

Garda William Cadogan told prosecuting counsel, Mr Fergal Foley BL, the new offences involved touching of the victims' genitalia.

He said Cullen had one previous conviction at Arklow District Court in 1985 where he was given a three months sentence for gross indecency with a young boy. He was given the benefit of the Probation Act on appeal to Wicklow Circuit Court.

Garda Cadogan agreed with defence counsel Mr Patrick Marrinan SC (with Ms Martina Baxter BL) that Cullen co-operated with the extradition proceedings and the only evidence against him were victims' statements. A trial would have involved their word against his.

Mr Marrinan said the sexual abuse Cullen suffered when he was 10 years old had left a scar on him and troubled his life since then. He had made two suicide attempts while in England where he also drank heavily.

Cullen had written a letter to the court expressing his remorse and his acceptance that he had to be punished for his offences.

Mr Marrinan noted the psychiatric report indicated Cullen had "homosexual pedophiliac tendencies" which had to be addressed.

He had attended a six-month long alcohol counselling course in England and this showed he was willing to use such counselling facilities as were available to him.