JOHN CREGAN FROM CROOM, LIMERICK, SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE IN SHOCKING CASE

In a deeply disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Croom, Co Limerick, John Cregan, a 54-year-old man with a previously unblemished record, has been sentenced to a total of seven years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young girls decades ago.

John Cregan, who once worked as a porter at an AIB bank in Croom, was convicted last October on multiple counts related to the sexual abuse of two women from his hometown. The first victim, now a 30-year-old married woman, was subjected to Cregan’s abuse between the ages of eight and eleven, spanning from 1979 to 1982. The jury found him guilty of six charges of rape, eight counts of unlawful carnal knowledge, and one count of indecent assault. The verdict was reached unanimously after nearly four hours of deliberation following a four-day trial.

In addition to these convictions, Cregan was also sentenced to an additional one year and eleven months for abusing a second woman, who is now 33 years old. This abuse occurred when she was between eight and nine years old, during the years 1974 and 1975. The sentences for all charges are to run concurrently, with the sentences dating back to last October.

During the proceedings, Mr. Justice Philip O'Sullivan acknowledged the victims' desire for Cregan to be publicly named, but clarified that he lacked the jurisdiction to issue an order to that effect. An application by defense lawyer Isabel Kennedy BL for leave to appeal was also refused.

Sergeant Vincent McCoy provided details to the prosecution that Cregan had no prior criminal record before these allegations came to light. It was noted that he was actively involved in local sports activities, which contrasted sharply with his criminal conduct.

The first victim, who bravely testified in court, expressed her relief that someone like Cregan, who posed a threat to children, was being removed from society. She appealed to other victims of child sexual abuse to come forward, sharing how the trauma had profoundly affected her life. She described suffering from severe depression, episodes of excessive drinking, and the breakdown of a seven-year relationship, all of which she attributed to the abuse she endured. She revealed that her decision to report the crimes to the Gardaí was driven by fears that her marriage was on the brink of collapse.

The woman also expressed her hurt and anger over Cregan’s wife’s testimony, which suggested that her husband could not have committed the offenses. She was particularly distressed that Cregan had not offered any apology or shown remorse for his actions. “He ruined my life, and I can’t even begin to express the horror I went through,” she stated.

Mr. Justice O'Sullivan acknowledged the courage it took for both victims to give evidence, noting the significant emotional toll involved. The impact reports submitted to the court highlighted the profound turmoil experienced by the victims, including feelings of isolation, self-hatred, depression, difficulty forming relationships, and in one case, alcoholism.

The judge pointed out that Cregan had denied the rape allegations during a police interview, which was consistent with his wife’s testimony defending him. However, he admitted to the second set of offenses only at the last minute. The court emphasized that Cregan’s actions represented a gross breach of trust, given his role as a trusted confidante and respected member of the Croom community, as well as his position as a bank porter.

Overall, the case has left a lasting scar on the community of Croom and has underscored the importance of justice for victims of childhood sexual abuse.