FINBARR LYNCH FROM CORK AND GLANMIRE SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community, Finbarr Lynch, a man with connections to both Cork and Glanmire, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for the sexual abuse of his four-year-old daughter. The court heard that Lynch, aged 61, committed the heinous act at an address in Glanmire, while his wife, Jean Lynch, 29, was asleep beside him. The incident occurred when the young girl sought comfort after experiencing a nightmare, a moment that tragically turned into a nightmare for her.

Judge Gerard O’Brien presided over the case at Cork Circuit Criminal Court and delivered the sentence, which included a period of six months suspended. The judge emphasized that Lynch’s guilty plea was a public acknowledgment of his wrongdoing, although it came very late in the process. The court was presented with a harrowing victim impact statement from Jean Lynch, who revealed the profound and lasting effects of her childhood trauma.

Jean Lynch recounted her experience of being sexually abused by her father when she was only four years old. She explained that after a nightmare, she sought refuge in her parents’ bed, only to be subjected to her father undressing her and sexually assaulting her while her mother slept nearby. She described how this event shattered her sense of safety, leading her to avoid her parents’ bed altogether and suffer from terrifying nightmares. She also detailed her struggles with fear, shame, and confusion from a young age, which persisted into her twenties, including self-harm and an attempted suicide at age 19.

Jean Lynch’s statement highlighted her resilience and the unwavering support of her family, which she credits with helping her survive and eventually overcome her trauma. She expressed her hope that her story would serve as an example to others, emphasizing that victims of abuse can find strength and reclaim their lives. She stated, “I will no longer hold your secrets. I will instead stand as an example that victims of abuse can be strong, can fight back and hand back their shame to their abusers.”

During the court proceedings, Lynch expressed remorse, stating, “I really feel I am so sorry for what happened. I cannot ever begin to understand the hurt that I caused. My job was to protect her. I did not. I am so ashamed of that. I just have no idea how this happened.”

Detective Garda Mark Durcan confirmed that Lynch’s wife, Jean Lynch, was waiving her anonymity to speak out about the case. The sexual assault took place at Lynch’s residence in Glanmire, while his address on the charge sheet was listed as Pouladuff Road, Cork. The court’s decision underscores the gravity of the crime and the lasting impact on the victim, as well as the community’s call for justice and protection of vulnerable children.