CALLAN WARD FROM TULLAMORE SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN OFFALY

In August 2014, a man from Tullamore, County Offaly, was sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of raping a 14-year-old girl. The incident took place in November 2013, and the offender, Callan Ward, aged 20 at the time, pleaded guilty to the serious charge at the Central Criminal Court.

Judge Paul Carney, presiding over the case, announced that he would suspend the final two years of Ward’s sentence, considering the defendant’s early plea of guilty and his lack of previous convictions aside from minor road traffic offences. Despite the suspension, Ward was ordered to remain away from the victim indefinitely and was required to enter into a bond of €1,000. Additionally, he was mandated to undergo 18 months of supervision by the Probation Service and to participate in any recommended treatment programs aimed at rehabilitation.

During the court proceedings, Mr. Justice Carney detailed the disturbing nature of the crime. He stated that Ward had initially supplied drugs to the girl in exchange for a kiss, which he described as sexual credit. The judge emphasized that Ward then proceeded to commit anally rape the girl, describing the act as particularly heinous. The judge also noted Ward’s opportunistic behavior, mentioning that he quickly asked the girl for his money after the assault.

Garda Sgt Simon Murphy provided further context, explaining that one of the girl’s friends advised her to contact Ward to obtain drugs. The girl was instructed to ask for an ounce of hash on credit, which she did, arranging to pay the following week. Ward responded by saying he would give her the hash if she agreed to meet him, which she understood to mean a kiss. The girl recounted to police that she met Ward behind a sports club in Tullamore. Initially, Ward was gentle, placing his hands around her hips, but the situation escalated when he touched her despite her protests. She told the court that she repeatedly said “no,” but Ward persisted, attempting to turn her to face the wall and making threatening remarks about having her half-ounce of hash in his pocket.

Following the assault, Ward asked if she would have the money for the hash the following week, to which she agreed. The girl confided in her teacher the next day, leading to a formal complaint. DNA evidence collected from her underwear and rectum confirmed Ward’s involvement in the assault.

The court heard a victim impact statement revealing the profound effect the crime had on the girl. She was now afraid to leave her house alone, had lost confidence, and was suffering from depression. She was also lashing out at her family and experiencing significant stress, especially when receiving calls from Ward attempting to dissuade her from pursuing the complaint. Ward’s history includes ten previous minor convictions, mostly traffic-related offenses. His defense lawyer, Colm Smyth SC, expressed remorse on behalf of Ward, apologizing to the victim and stating that his client was deeply ashamed of his actions.

Ward was officially declared a sex offender, and his sentence was backdated to July 21st, with credit given for three weeks served in custody. The court’s ruling underscores the severity of the crime and the lasting impact on the victim, highlighting the importance of justice and protection for minors in such cases.