DAMIEN LYONS SHOCKS DUBLIN WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT ON FOUR-YEAR-OLD BOY
In a distressing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Dublin, Damien Lyons, a 26-year-old man residing on Robert Emmet Close, Bridgefoot Street, was sentenced to five years in prison by Judge Katherine Delahunt at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for the sexual assault of a four-year-old boy.According to court proceedings, Lyons committed the heinous act while alone with the young child.
The incident came to light after authorities received a tip-off that prompted an investigation into CCTV footage from the area.
It was through this footage that Gardaí uncovered evidence of Lyons’s misconduct.
Lyons pleaded guilty to the charge of sexually assaulting the child on January 14, 2007.
During the hearing, Judge Delahunt expressed her profound concern, describing the offence as “undoubtedly every parent’s worst nightmare.” She emphasized the severity of the crime but also noted that there was no evidence suggesting Lyons engaged in grooming or used threats to manipulate the child.
The court was informed that Lyons’s sentence would be five years, but the final 18 months would be suspended on the condition that he participates in a treatment program for sex offenders and completes an alcohol rehabilitation course.
Additionally, the judge ordered that Lyons be registered as a sex offender and placed under 10 years of post-release supervision to monitor his conduct and prevent further harm.
Testimony from Detective Garda Conor Traynor revealed that Lyons was alone with the child for approximately 35 minutes during which he engaged in oral sex and other inappropriate behaviors.
Gardaí’s investigation was initiated after the CCTV footage was reviewed following the tip-off.
The young victim was interviewed by authorities and stated that he was afraid of Lyons because he had been put on his shoulders, but he did not disclose any details related to the assault.
Lyons, who has no prior criminal record, was arrested and subsequently admitted to Gardaí that he had committed “sick things” with the child.
He expressed confusion about his actions, claiming that “urges” had taken over him.
Defense lawyer Mr.
John Byrne BL described Lyons as a “quiet, amicable man” who had lost most of his social circle due to the incident.
He also highlighted Lyons’s history of a childhood car accident, which might have caused some organic brain damage.
A psychiatric report was presented, indicating that the offence lacked the planning typical of paedophiliac tendencies and that Lyons’s sexual preference was primarily for adult women.
The report further assessed that Lyons was at a moderate to high risk of re-offending, but this risk could be mitigated if he engaged in alcohol and drug treatment programs.
The court’s decision reflects a careful balance between punishment, rehabilitation, and community safety, with ongoing supervision mandated to prevent future offenses.
