JERRY BAILY FROM TRALEE SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE IN NORTH KERRY
| Red Rose Database
Tralee Rapist
In a case that has shocked the community of Tralee and the wider north Kerry region, Jerry Baily, a 75-year-old man from Bayview House, Ballyard, was sentenced to three years in prison for his involvement in the abuse of two young boys, with incidents dating back over three decades.
The conviction followed a detailed week-long trial in which Baily faced multiple charges related to his misconduct. Specifically, he was found guilty on four counts of indecent assault concerning the two victims, with these acts occurring at various locations across north Kerry between 1975 and 1982. Despite the conviction on these charges, Baily maintained his innocence on all other counts, pleading not guilty to additional allegations. As a result, five other charges of indecent assault and one charge of buggery were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
During the proceedings, a victim impact statement was read aloud in court, revealing the profound and lasting scars inflicted by Baily’s actions. One of the victims, who was only seven years old when the abuse began, described how the trauma had permanently affected his life. He stated, "The vile acts corrupted my innocence and caused so much confusion in my young child's mind." The victim further expressed that the full extent of the damage could not be fully conveyed within the limited time of the court session, emphasizing the deep and ongoing impact of the abuse.
Judge Carroll Moran, presiding over the case, addressed Baily’s conduct during sentencing. While acknowledging that Baily had shown some insight into his wrongdoing, the judge emphasized that Baily had abused a position of trust. The judge remarked, "He had been in a position of trust and had abused that trust," highlighting the betrayal involved in the case.
Consequently, Judge Moran sentenced Jerry Baily to a total of 36 months in custody. The sentence was divided into two consecutive terms: an 18-month sentence for three counts of indecent assault on one victim, and another 18-month sentence for a single count of indecent assault on the second victim. Both sentences commenced immediately following the court’s decision.
During the trial, Baily admitted to some inappropriate behavior, including tickling the penis of one of the boys, which he claimed was merely for fun and play. He also acknowledged that he is attracted to children but vehemently denied any involvement in more serious crimes such as buggery or rape, describing such allegations as "disgusting and sick." Baily insisted that he never committed or intended to commit such acts.
In his testimony, Baily also admitted to being comfortable with being in bed with a naked boy and tickling his genitals, further complicating the case. He revealed that he did not disclose his attraction to the boys’ parents before taking them on trips or holidays, raising questions about transparency and trust.
Throughout the trial, Baily called one of his victims a "liar" and a "scumbag," and questioned why the allegations only surfaced years later. He suggested that the victims contacted him later to seek money, especially after he received a large sum from a land sale. Baily claimed he offered money to his victims because he "saw the way this thing was going," implying an attempt to buy their silence. However, both victims denied these claims, asserting that their visits to Baily’s house were solely to ask him to stop writing letters to their parents, not for financial gain.
This case has left a lasting impact on the community of Tralee and highlights the importance of vigilance and justice in cases of child abuse, regardless of the passage of time.
The conviction followed a detailed week-long trial in which Baily faced multiple charges related to his misconduct. Specifically, he was found guilty on four counts of indecent assault concerning the two victims, with these acts occurring at various locations across north Kerry between 1975 and 1982. Despite the conviction on these charges, Baily maintained his innocence on all other counts, pleading not guilty to additional allegations. As a result, five other charges of indecent assault and one charge of buggery were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
During the proceedings, a victim impact statement was read aloud in court, revealing the profound and lasting scars inflicted by Baily’s actions. One of the victims, who was only seven years old when the abuse began, described how the trauma had permanently affected his life. He stated, "The vile acts corrupted my innocence and caused so much confusion in my young child's mind." The victim further expressed that the full extent of the damage could not be fully conveyed within the limited time of the court session, emphasizing the deep and ongoing impact of the abuse.
Judge Carroll Moran, presiding over the case, addressed Baily’s conduct during sentencing. While acknowledging that Baily had shown some insight into his wrongdoing, the judge emphasized that Baily had abused a position of trust. The judge remarked, "He had been in a position of trust and had abused that trust," highlighting the betrayal involved in the case.
Consequently, Judge Moran sentenced Jerry Baily to a total of 36 months in custody. The sentence was divided into two consecutive terms: an 18-month sentence for three counts of indecent assault on one victim, and another 18-month sentence for a single count of indecent assault on the second victim. Both sentences commenced immediately following the court’s decision.
During the trial, Baily admitted to some inappropriate behavior, including tickling the penis of one of the boys, which he claimed was merely for fun and play. He also acknowledged that he is attracted to children but vehemently denied any involvement in more serious crimes such as buggery or rape, describing such allegations as "disgusting and sick." Baily insisted that he never committed or intended to commit such acts.
In his testimony, Baily also admitted to being comfortable with being in bed with a naked boy and tickling his genitals, further complicating the case. He revealed that he did not disclose his attraction to the boys’ parents before taking them on trips or holidays, raising questions about transparency and trust.
Throughout the trial, Baily called one of his victims a "liar" and a "scumbag," and questioned why the allegations only surfaced years later. He suggested that the victims contacted him later to seek money, especially after he received a large sum from a land sale. Baily claimed he offered money to his victims because he "saw the way this thing was going," implying an attempt to buy their silence. However, both victims denied these claims, asserting that their visits to Baily’s house were solely to ask him to stop writing letters to their parents, not for financial gain.
This case has left a lasting impact on the community of Tralee and highlights the importance of vigilance and justice in cases of child abuse, regardless of the passage of time.