Two-year sentence for former Cork priest who sexually assaulted young girl during confession

A former priest has today been sentenced to two years in prison for sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl during her First Confession in West Cork in the late 80s.

John Calnan – who has an address at The Presbytery, Paul Street, Cork City, pleaded guilty to one count of indecent assault.

Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that the victim – who was seven years old at the time – was confessing her sins to Fr Calnan during the Sacrament of Penance when he sexually assaulted her.

In a victim impact statement, she said that her family contacted the school but they were met with denial and consternation, as the church was the most dominant force in the community at that time.

John Calnan served most of his ministry in West Cork but he retired from his duties in 1992 following complaints of sexual assault.

He is currently serving an eight-year sentence imposed in 2012 for attempting to rape a young girl and sexually assaulting her brother.

He was today sentenced to three years in prison with the final year suspended.