FERGUS CARSON FROM DONEGAL SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGE GIRL IN DONEGAL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community, Fergus Carson, a 54-year-old man from The Green, Main Street, Donegal, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and was subsequently sentenced to five years in prison. The conviction was handed down by the Central Criminal Court following a trial held earlier this year. Carson’s supporters, described as his “nearest and dearest,” stood by him despite the serious nature of the charges.

The court heard that Carson committed multiple acts of sexual assault against the young girl at a relative’s house between May and September 2012. The victim, who chose to waive her right to anonymity, testified about the traumatic experiences she endured. Although Carson has no prior criminal record, he did not accept the jury’s verdict, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings.

Justice Tony Hunt acknowledged the impact of the offences on the victim, emphasizing that the effects on a young girl’s development were “pretty obvious.” He noted that while victim impact statements are significant, they are not the sole factor in determining sentencing. The judge described how Carson exploited his access to the girl’s residence, knowing that her family would be away at times, which facilitated his offending.

The court detailed a series of assaults over the five-month period, with the most serious involving digital penetration. Justice Hunt pointed out that this was Carson’s first encounter with the criminal justice system, and he would now face incarceration at a relatively advanced age. The judge also highlighted the ongoing shame and publicity associated with being labeled a sex offender, which would continue to affect Carson and the community long after his release. The offences had a profound impact on the girl, disrupting her adolescent development and causing emotional and psychological harm.

Sentencing, Justice Hunt imposed a five-year term, suspending the final 15 months for two years, and ordered Carson to undergo 12 months of post-release supervision. Garda Michelle Kelly provided evidence that the girl, who had known Carson all her life, was alone in a relative’s house when Carson entered uninvited. She described how Carson initially kissed her, which made her uncomfortable, and later placed his hands down her trousers, kissed her passionately, and made inappropriate comments. The girl recounted how, on a subsequent occasion, she was upstairs changing a sheet when Carson entered, pushed her onto the bed, and assaulted her.

Following the incidents, the girl tried to distance herself from Carson, but her mother eventually became aware of what had happened, leading to Carson’s arrest. During police interviews, Carson denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence. In her victim impact statement, the girl described the trial as the most difficult experience of her life, stating that the past four years had been “hell.” She expressed feelings of inhibition and social withdrawal, and she recounted how the local reaction to her complaint had been unwelcome, making her life more challenging.

Prosecutor Conor Devally SC confirmed that Carson cooperated fully during police interviews but denied any involvement. Defense counsel Mr. Fogarty requested leniency, emphasizing that Carson had lived his entire life without prior trouble with the law and that the allegations had devastated him and his family. He also pointed out that Carson’s “nearest and dearest” continued to support him despite the serious charges, even as the community experienced a rift because of the case.