A Co Cork remedial teacher and Catholic Boy Scouts regional commissioner who was jailed in 2000 for 10 years for raping a schoolboy has been named.
Denis O'Shea (54), single, Cahermore, Midleton, was jailed by Mr Justice O'Donovan at the Central Criminal Court on July 26th, 2000, but his identity could not be revealed at that time for legal reasons. He was convicted in June 2000 by a jury after a 13-day trial on two charges of buggering an 11-year-old pupil from 1997 to 1998. He was also convicted of four charges of sexual assault.
Det Garda Michael O'Sullivan said O'Shea had been involved in the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland since 1972 as a diocesan commissioner and a regional commissioner. He was also a director of the Mellory Centre, which was used as a holiday outlet.
The application to have his identity revealed was granted by Mr Justice Carney on the application of Mr Anthony Sammon SC for the DPP.
Mr Justice O'Donovan said in June 2000 he "wholeheartedly agreed" with the jury's verdicts. He said the boy had been subject to prolonged cross-examination, in all likelihood on O'Shea's instructions. O'Shea had accused the boy of fabricating a story and accused his family of colluding with him.
The boy's mother told Mr Justice O'Donovan the rapes had had a negative effect on her son and the family. "Since then his behaviour has totally changed." He had been happy, "a polite child, a very, very good child". It was now difficult to get him to school. There were tears and tantrums.
Mr Blaise O'Carroll SC, defending, said O'Shea wished to have a statement read to the court.O'Shea said he was still protesting his innocence. "I will not plead guilty to something I did not do," he stated. "Irreparable damage has been done to my good name."