EDWARD RYAN OF CO WEXFORD SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF NIECE AND WOMAN

In a case that has shocked the community of Co Wexford, Edward Ryan, aged 58, of Bodherin, Campile, near New Ross, was found guilty of multiple charges related to sexual abuse and was subsequently sentenced to a total of eight years in prison. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse involving Ryan, who was convicted on several counts of unlawful carnal knowledge and indecent assault.

Ryan's crimes spanned several years, beginning when his niece was just four years old. He was convicted of engaging in unlawful sexual acts with her, with the abuse reportedly starting at a very young age and continuing over a period of time. The court heard that Ryan would take his niece to a mobile home located on his farm, where he would commit these acts. During the trial, the victim recounted how Ryan would pin her arms overhead and assault her, often removing her jeans and lying on top of her to interfere with her. She described the assaults as occurring between the ages of nine and thirteen, and revealed that she confided in her mother after Ryan struck her in the stomach.

In addition to the abuse of his niece, Ryan was also found guilty of sexually assaulting another woman from Wexford, now aged 30. The court established that the assaults on this woman took place between September 1, 1981, and October 14, 1985. Ryan was charged with 16 counts of indecent assault related to her, and after a jury deliberation that lasted more than three hours, he was convicted on all counts. The woman testified that Ryan would take her to the same mobile home on his farm, where he would assault her, and she recounted how the abuse affected her childhood and her sense of safety.

During the trial, Ryan initially pleaded not guilty to the 16 charges, but later entered a guilty plea to 10 of them, including the sexual assault of his niece and unlawful carnal knowledge. The court was told that Ryan's abuse of his niece began when she was just four years old, and that he had admitted to indecently assaulting the other woman on two occasions in 1987, although these did not correspond with the dates specified in the charges.

Ryan, who is single, was a regular attendee at Mass at his local church before the revelations of his abuse came to light. Since the court proceedings, he has ceased participating in church activities. The judge sentenced him to five years for the unlawful carnal knowledge of his niece and three years for the sexual abuse of the other woman, with the sentences to run concurrently, though the final two years are suspended. The court also noted that Ryan expressed remorse, tearfully admitting to the assaults and apologizing to his victims.

Overall, the case has left a lasting impact on the victims and the community, highlighting the importance of justice and the protection of vulnerable individuals from such heinous acts.