Suspended sentence for sex assault priest

A priest who sexually assaulted two of his students nearly 40 years ago has received a suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Henry Maloney (aged 70) of The Holy Ghost Fathers, Kimmage Manor has already served 15 months for sexually assaulting two other 12-year-olds in the early seventies when he taught at St Mary's College in Rathmines.

Judge Katherine Delahunt said because of Maloney's age and his previous prison term she did not feel a custodial sentence was appropriate. She sentenced him to 18 months suspended for three years. She also ordered he continue to live with The Holy Ghost Fathers and not have any supervisory role with children under 13.

He had pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting two boys at the school when they were in first and second year in the late sixties. At the time he was dean of discipline and the junior form tutor. He also coached the boys in rugby.

Garda Sergeant Gearoid McCarthy told prosecuting counsel, Ms Mary Rose Gearty BL, that he would assault the boys in the corridors, classroom and in a storage room. He would put his hands down their trousers and rub their backsides and thighs.

On at least one occasion he abused a boy as he sat in class with other students present. He put his hands down the boy's trousers and continued talking "as if everything was normal."

He called one boy into his office and told him he was "there for him" and "a friendly ear if he wanted to talk about anything" before abusing him.

One of the victims gave evidence that because of the offences, he was never able to realise his opportunities. He said he had difficulty with drink and drugs and that he had turned to crime. He said he was successful but things kept "falling apart."

He said he was working for the UN in Rome, "earning a lot of money and wearing Armani suits" but felt horrible and the next week he was on the streets "where I was actually more comfortable."

When he was arrested, Moloney claimed he didn't remember either of the boys even though he was a family friend of one and had visited his house several times. He later admitted the abuses.

Defence counsel, Mr Patrick Gageby SC, said his client was "very sick" with cancer and was a young man when he abused the boys. He added that there were compensation claims pending against him.

"This is not a case of a current and active child abuser", he told Judge Delahunt.