BARTHOLOMEW PRENDERGAST WATERFORD MAN SENTENCED FOR ABUSE OF SISTERS AND FEMALE VICTIM

In a case that has shocked the community of Waterford, Bartholomew Prendergast, a 66-year-old man, was sentenced to a decade in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over a span of more than 12 years. The victims, two sisters and a third woman, endured a prolonged period of abuse that has left deep scars on their lives.

During a sentencing hearing held at the Central Criminal Court, the victims Stephanie Hickey, aged 46, and her sister Deirdre Fahy, aged 52, chose to waive their right to anonymity to ensure that Prendergast’s name was publicly disclosed. Stephanie Hickey, in her victim impact statement, expressed her anguish and questioned how the abuse could have persisted despite efforts to address it. She highlighted that Prendergast, a well-known musician and former council worker from Cruachan, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, was believed to have been 'fixed' after a priest had directed him to seek counselling. Yet, the abuse continued.

Garda Patricia Lonergan, who provided evidence during the case, explained that after concerns about Stephanie Hickey’s well-being were raised with her parents, a local priest was consulted. Following this, Prendergast was sent for counselling, but this intervention did not stop his abusive behavior. The victims had made various disclosures over the years to different family members, but no significant action was taken until the matter was formally investigated. The Garda also revealed that Prendergast was arrested in April 2016 and interviewed three times. Despite denying the allegations of rape against Stephanie Hickey, he was found to have committed multiple offences.

Prendergast ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and 13 counts of indecent assault involving Stephanie Hickey, with the crimes committed at various locations in Co Waterford and Co Tipperary between 1983 and 1987. At the time of these offences, Hickey was between 12 and 15 years old. Additionally, he admitted to one count of indecent assault against Deirdre Fahy, committed when she was between 13 and 14 years old, during the years 1979 to 1981. The court also heard that Prendergast was responsible for two counts of indecent assault against a third woman, now aged 39, who was between nine and twelve years old at the time of the abuse, which occurred between 1988 and 1991. This third woman has been informed that Prendergast will be named in reporting but has chosen not to be identified publicly.

On the day of sentencing, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon imposed a 10-year prison term but suspended the final 18 months under strict conditions. Prendergast was ordered to participate in a sex offenders’ treatment programme and remain under the supervision of the Probation Service for 18 months. The judge emphasized the profound and lasting impact the abuse had on the victims, noting that they were left with feelings of fear, guilt, and shame. She also highlighted the damage inflicted on their family relationships and the sense of safety that was shattered.

Ms Justice Creedon underscored that Prendergast’s betrayal represented a serious breach of trust, especially given his position within the family circle. The victims and their families deserved to feel secure in his presence, and the court recognized the difficulty they faced in escaping the cycle of abuse. Despite family discussions and intervention from a local priest, the abuse persisted, illustrating the deep-rooted nature of the betrayal and the failure of early intervention to prevent further harm.