DAMIAN REILLY FROM CARRIGALLEN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN LEITRIM

In January 2017, a disturbing case of child sexual abuse emerged from the community of Carrigallen in County Leitrim, involving Damien Reilly, a 39-year-old man who was ultimately sentenced to eight years in prison for his heinous crimes.

Reilly, who resided in Bredagh, Carrigallen, was accused of abusing a young boy over a period spanning from 1994 to 2000. The victim, who was only nine years old when the abuse began, was subjected to multiple forms of sexual assault, including oral and anal rape. The court heard that Reilly, at the time 17 years old, had begun his abusive actions against the boy when he was still a child himself.

During the proceedings at the Central Criminal Court, Reilly pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault, oral rape, and anal rape. The victim, who chose to waive his right to anonymity, delivered a powerful victim impact statement, expressing his enduring pain and anger. He told the court that he would never forgive Reilly for what he had done to him.

The court was informed that the abuse took place over several years, with the victim being between nine and approximately 14 years old during the period of assault. The victim recounted that the trauma had a profound and lasting effect on his life. He described himself as a “small, skinny innocent child” and emphasized that words could not adequately convey the depth of the damage inflicted.

He recounted how Reilly’s actions instilled a deep sense of fear and betrayal. From the moment Reilly placed his hand on his crotch, the victim knew it was not a caring gesture but something to be feared. The victim also revealed that his troubled home life may have contributed to Reilly viewing him as an easy target, further complicating his feelings of vulnerability.

The victim explained that Reilly had told him that no one would believe him if he spoke out, which led him to believe the lies and manipulation. He expressed how Reilly’s influence had alienated him from other children his age and instilled a persistent fear of disclosure. The fear of being discovered and the shame associated with the abuse left him feeling broken, hopeless, and constantly anxious.

He described how he wore a metaphorical mask to hide his internal suffering and how the burden of silence weighed heavily on him. The victim also shared that he felt a sense of relief after finally breaking free from the silence and finding support from loved ones. Despite the pain, he emphasized that he had received immense love and backing from those close to him.

Reilly’s criminal actions came to light after a chance encounter in 2014, when he was recognized by the victim in a local pub. During this meeting, Reilly caressed the victim’s back before walking away, an incident that shocked the victim and prompted him to report the matter to the Gardaí. This revelation was a turning point that led to the investigation and subsequent court proceedings.

In sentencing, Mr. Justice Patrick McCarthy acknowledged the seriousness of the offences, describing them as “grave” and noting the significant adverse effects on the victim. The judge took into account Reilly’s early guilty pleas and his acceptance of moral responsibility, as well as his otherwise good character and low risk of re-offending. A medical report was also considered, which outlined the effects of Reilly’s childhood stroke, including a moderate physical disability and some personality difficulties that may have contributed to socially unacceptable behavior.

Ultimately, Reilly was sentenced to eight years in prison, with an additional three years of post-release supervision. The court’s decision reflected the gravity of the crimes and the lasting impact on the victim, who expressed his ongoing pain and anger, stating, “I will never forgive you for what you did to me.”