JOHN MASSEY FROM MOYROSS FACES JUSTICE OVER SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN LIMERICK

In a case that has shocked the Moyross community and the wider Limerick area, John Massey, a 47-year-old resident of Delmege Park in Moyross, has been convicted of multiple sexual offenses involving a young girl. The incidents, which spanned over a period of nearly two years, culminated in Massey being sentenced to two years in prison by the Limerick Circuit Court.

John Massey, originally from the United Kingdom but residing in Moyross, pleaded guilty in June to sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl on 12 separate occasions. The court heard that these assaults took place over a 22-month period, causing significant trauma to the young victim. Judge Carroll Moran, presiding over the case, described Massey's actions as “scandalising and defiling” a young girl, emphasizing that the victim was entitled to enjoy her childhood free from such violations.

The case first came to public attention in June 2009, when Massey admitted to 12 charges of sexual assault against a girl who was just 12 years old at the time of the first incident. The assaults occurred at an address in Limerick city between August 2005 and March 2007. The court was informed that the victim was only 12 when the first assault took place, highlighting the severity and duration of Massey's offending.

During the proceedings, defence counsel Aileen Donnelly SC requested a delay in sentencing, explaining that her client was currently under psychiatric care and that a report from his psychiatrist was expected by the end of July. She sought a sentencing date in October, indicating that her client’s mental health was a relevant factor in the case.

Prosecutor John O'Sullivan stated that there was no objection to Massey being remanded on continuing bail and emphasized that there was no need to protect Massey's identity. However, he stressed that the victim’s anonymity should be preserved to respect her privacy and dignity.

Judge Sean Ó Donnabháin ordered that John Massey's name be added to the sex offenders register, a standard procedure in cases of this nature. The case was adjourned for sentencing to take place on October 6th, with the court ensuring that appropriate measures would be in place to monitor Massey's conduct moving forward.