KEVIN GUIHEN SENTENCED IN LEITRIM FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON GALWAY STEPDAUGHTER

In a case that has shocked the community of Leitrim and the surrounding areas, Kevin Guihen, aged 39, was sentenced to a total of 11 months in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting his young stepdaughter. The disturbing incidents took place when the girl was between six and seven years old, with the abuse occurring at a residence in Ballybrit Heights, Galway.

Guihen, who resides at Apartment 2, Bridgehouse, Bridge Street, Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim, and was previously living at 1 Charlton Flats, Ballina, Mayo, appeared before the court in early February. During the proceedings, he pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault against his stepdaughter, with the incidents allegedly occurring during an unspecified period between April 1, 1997, and March 31, 1998.

The court was informed that a statement from the victim was taken on September 24, 2005, which detailed the abuse. According to her account, the assaults happened mostly when her mother was working night shifts, leaving her alone with Guihen. The statement revealed that two of the incidents involved inappropriate kissing, while a third involved Guihen placing his hands inside the girl’s underwear, constituting a serious breach of trust and a grave violation of her innocence.

The victim, now 18 years old, initially made a formal complaint when she was 14. However, she withdrew the complaint at that time, citing her lack of readiness to face the legal process. It was only after she turned 18 that she re-engaged with law enforcement, leading to the resubmission of the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

During the sentencing hearing last month, the young woman described the profound emotional impact the abuse had on her, including feelings of depression and recurring flashbacks. Her testimony underscored the lasting trauma inflicted by Guihen’s actions.

Defense solicitor Valerie Corcoran addressed the court, offering an unqualified apology on behalf of her client. She explained that Guihen had suffered a mental breakdown and was struggling with alcohol abuse at the time of the offenses. Ms. Corcoran emphasized that Guihen had sought treatment and continued with it, regardless of the criminal proceedings, demonstrating genuine remorse and a desire to make amends.

Judge Mary Fahy acknowledged the gravity of the case, describing it as “very difficult” due to the breach of trust involved in abusing a very young child. Nonetheless, she considered the sentence to be appropriate, noting Guihen’s apparent remorse and the low risk of reoffending if he maintains his treatment regime.

As a result, the judge sentenced Guihen to seven months in prison for the first charge and an additional four months for the second, to be served consecutively. For the third charge, she imposed an eight-month sentence, suspended for 12 months, on the condition that Guihen enter into a bond of €500, agree to good behavior, and refrain from contacting the injured party. Additionally, Guihen was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of 10 years.

Addressing the victim directly, Judge Fahy expressed hope that she would continue with counseling and eventually find closure. She also thanked the young woman for her bravery in coming forward and sharing her story in court, acknowledging the importance of her testimony in the pursuit of justice.