A 61-year-old Tipperary gardener who persuaded a 14-year-old special needs girl to engage in sexual activities with him has been given a three-year suspended sentence by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Jeremiah Lonergan, Fr Sheehy Terrace, Clogheen, Co Tipperary, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the girl on a date between August 1st and 27th, 2002.
Judge Frank O'Donnell said he was taking into account the dramatic effect Lonergan's offences had on the vulnerable young girl. However, he also had to weigh its comparative seriousness in relation to other offences of the same nature that come before him, he added.
He ordered Lonergan to make sure he never comes into contact with the girl or her family in the future.
Lonergan is also to be monitored by the probation and welfare services.
Judge O'Donnell also said he was anxious it be conveyed to the girl that she is in no way to blame for Lonergan's behaviour and the effects it has had on her.
At the last sentence hearing in March when the case was adjourned for reports from the probation and welfare services, Garda Liam Tobin told prosecuting counsel Melanie Greally that Lonergan persuaded the girl to engage in sexual activities with him on days immediately leading up to her 15th birthday.
He invited her to a flat, of which he was the caretaker, and talked her into engaging in sexual activities with him, including him performing oral sex on her but not involving sexual intercourse.
Garda Tobin said Lonergan's activities with the girl came to light after someone "tipped off" her mother.
They were "caught in the act" some days later and he admitted to having a "sexual relationship" with the victim when questioned by gardaí.
Michael Delaney, counsel for Lonergan, told the court his client was deeply remorseful about what he had done. He had also pleaded guilty.
He said Lonergan, a married man with a grown-up son, was willing to sell his house and move out of the area. Mr Delaney confirmed yesterday that Lonergan has put his Clogheen house up for sale.