FRANK MCHUGH FROM CO. DONEGAL SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN NARIN AND PORTNOO

In a case that has shocked the local community of Co. Donegal, Frank McHugh, a man once regarded as a respected figure within his neighborhood, has been sentenced to three years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against three young sisters. The offences, which spanned from October 1977 to February 1985, involved multiple assaults on the victims, beginning when they were just 12 years old.

Frank McHugh, aged 66 and residing in Narin, Portnoo, was found guilty after admitting to 17 separate sexual assaults against the three sisters. The court heard that he would be serving three years in prison, with 11 months of that sentence suspended. Additionally, he has been placed on the sex offenders register, a move that underscores the severity of his crimes.

During the proceedings at Donegal Circuit Court, it was revealed that McHugh was a retired employee of Bord na Mona, a peace commissioner, and a co-founder of a local community centre where he previously served as chairperson. He was also described as a devout church-goer who abstained from alcohol and smoking. His wife and three children were present in court to witness the sentencing, and Judge John O’Hagan did not hold back in describing McHugh’s impact on his family. The judge referred to him as a “pillar of their lives,” yet emphasized that his actions had left a trail of devastation.

Two of the victims, now adults, attended the court along with their husbands. The third sister was also present, having previously spoken about her suffering. The judge highlighted the profound damage caused by McHugh’s actions, stating that he had left behind a “terrible trail of devastation.”

The court was informed that the abuse began shortly after the sisters’ family relocated from the UK to Ireland. One of the victims, in her impact statement read aloud by the prosecution, revealed that the first assault occurred just six weeks after their arrival in Ireland. Another sister disclosed that she endured her suffering in silence for nearly three decades, while the third expressed that her innocence was stolen from her during childhood.

In 2011, the sisters confided in their 73-year-old father about the abuse, a moment that brought immense heartbreak. One of the sisters even recounted sitting beside her mother’s grave to reveal what had happened to her. The investigation was led by Detective Garda David Moore, who testified that two of the girls were only 12 years old at the time of the abuse. McHugh pleaded guilty to one sample charge involving each of the victims.

Det Gda Moore detailed that several offences were committed against the oldest sister, spanning from when she was 12 until she was 18. The defence lawyer, Cormac O’Dulachain, argued that McHugh was actively involved in numerous community initiatives and expressed remorse for his actions. He apologized to his victims and his own family, acknowledging the destruction his behaviour had caused.

Judge O’Hagan described the case as “appalling” and “horrific,” emphasizing the gravity of the crimes. While the defendant’s identity could be disclosed, the court was instructed that the names of the victims must remain confidential to protect their privacy and dignity.