CIARAN KEEGAN SHOCKS CO ARMAGH WITH CHILD ABUSE CASE AND LENIENT SENTENCE

In a deeply troubling case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Co Armagh, Ciaran Keegan, aged 22, from Abbey Park, Tynan, was recently in the spotlight for his involvement in a serious child abuse scandal. The incident, which dates back over seven years, involved Keegan admitting to charges of indecent assault and gross indecency against a young boy, who was only six years old at the time of the abuse.

Keegan’s court appearance culminated in a decision that has sparked outrage among victims’ families and local residents alike. He was sentenced to a two-year probation order at Armagh Magistrates Court, a ruling that many feel does not adequately reflect the severity of his crimes. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of five years, but the leniency of the sentence has left many feeling disappointed and betrayed.

The case also involved Keegan’s assault on the boy’s older brother, who was 10 years old at the time. For this, he had previously received a two-year probation sentence. The court’s decision to handle the case at the magistrates’ level rather than a Crown Court has been a point of contention, with some arguing that a higher court might have imposed a more appropriate sentence.

The victim’s father, who chose to remain unnamed, expressed his anguish and heartbreak over the ordeal. He recounted the moment his son confided in him about the abuse, revealing that the child had kept his suffering secret for years. The father explained, “Me and my wife were going away and we thought we might get Keegan to babysit our daughter. For my son, that was the turning point. He felt he had to say something. That was the reason he came and told us.”

The child, now 17, was only 10 when Keegan, then 15, began abusing him. The father reflected on the innocence lost and the pain endured, saying, “Never in my wildest dreams did I think this was happening. At the time of the abuse, my son had been going through a difficult time and we were happy he had someone befriending him.”

He further expressed his disillusionment with the judicial process, stating, “Listening to all the details in court was very difficult – my wife and I had to walk out at one stage because we couldn’t go through hearing what he had done to our child.” The father also highlighted the lasting impact on his son, who now struggles with trust issues and feelings of betrayal, having been taken advantage of by someone he believed was a friend.

In response to the court’s ruling, Keegan has been prohibited from being alone with anyone under 17, communicating with minors of that age, or participating in any sporting activities involving children. The father expressed his disappointment that the case was not heard in a Crown Court, which might have resulted in a harsher sentence. Despite this, he acknowledged that the sentence was the best under the circumstances and expressed hope for his son’s future.

He remarked, “I am delighted with what he got but I know that Maghaberry is the only place for him.” The father also voiced his feelings of betrayal, saying, “When they told me about this, I was shocked and horrified and needed to do something about it and five years of work and family togetherness ended here today with him walking free. I don’t know what that says about the society I live in.”

Despite his disappointment, the father expressed pride in his children’s bravery and integrity. “I have great pride in my kids for what they’ve done – what they’ve tried to do – the only right thing to do. I have great respect for them; they’re going to grow up to be great adults and fine people.”

Throughout the ordeal, the family has been left feeling let down by the justice system, with the father emphasizing the emotional toll it has taken. “As a father of these boys, I was meant to be their protector and I couldn’t do that when they needed me most,” he said. “When they told me about this, I was shocked and horrified and needed to do something about it and five years of work and family togetherness ended here today with him walking free.”

In closing, the father expressed his unwavering support for his children and his hope that they will overcome the trauma inflicted upon them. He also called for greater awareness and action to protect vulnerable children from predators like Keegan, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and justice for victims of child abuse.

Heartfelt respect and support go out to all victims of child abuse, and may justice and healing follow those who have suffered such unimaginable trauma.