MULLINGAR SEX OFFENDER MICHAEL BOYCE BRINGS TERROR TO LOCAL COMMUNITY

In a landmark legal victory, a woman from Mullingar has been awarded €475,000 in damages after enduring eight years of horrific abuse at the hands of Michael Boyce, a notorious sex offender from the same town. The case, which has garnered significant attention, highlights the long-lasting trauma inflicted by Boyce, whose criminal activities spanned over a decade and included multiple heinous crimes.

Boyce, aged 68, was responsible for one of the most shocking series of sex crimes in the history of Ireland. His predatory behavior included repeatedly breaking into the home of an elderly woman during the night, often using a makeshift ladder to gain access through her window. The assaults on her were so brutal that she was hospitalized for 12 days following a particularly violent attack. These invasions and assaults persisted over an 11-year period, from 1980 until 1989, leaving the victim devastated and forced to flee to England with her family due to ongoing harassment and threats from those close to Boyce.

In addition to his crimes against the elderly woman, Boyce's depravity extended to a young girl, whom he began abusing when she was just four years old. This twisted campaign of sexual assault continued for years, causing immeasurable harm to the victim, Caroline, who spoke publicly after the court's decision. She expressed relief and a sense of closure, stating, “justice has been done,” and emphasizing her desire to move forward with her life. Caroline, a mother of two, described the emotional toll the abuse took on her, recalling the difficult weeks leading up to the court ruling.

The court awarded her €497,000 in damages, a decision that experts believe could set a precedent for future civil cases where victims seek justice and compensation from their abusers. Professor Patricia Casey, a senior consultant psychiatrist at Dublin’s Mater Hospital, underscored the gravity of such abuse, especially when committed by trusted individuals like family friends or relatives. She remarked, “Sexual abuse by any circumstance is very significant, but when it is committed by a person of trust, a relative or family friend, it is of a greater magnitude.”

Boyce’s criminal record is extensive. He was sentenced to eight years in prison in March 2001 after a 22-day trial for the rape of pensioner Mary Hope in her home in 1989, along with charges of attempted rape and other sexual assaults on specific dates. Justice Quirke described how Boyce terrorized Ms. Hope over an 11-year period, forcing her from her home and attacking her repeatedly. Despite her efforts to report the assaults, she was unable to identify her attacker at the time, which added to her suffering. Boyce’s sentences for these crimes were served concurrently, resulting in a total of just over four and a half years behind bars.

During his trial, the victim recounted how Boyce had threatened her, claiming he was “only playing” and doing so “to keep me young.” She described how he threatened her not to scream, and when she did, he would hit her. She recounted her desperate attempts to escape, running across fields only to be chased and dragged back into the house by Boyce. His heinous acts did not end there; earlier this year, it was revealed that Boyce was working on a rented farm in Co. Westmeath, just 250 meters from a primary school. This revelation caused outrage among local residents, who expressed concern over the proximity of a convicted sex offender to vulnerable children.

Further tensions arose in June 2014 when a letter was circulated warning families about Boyce’s presence in the area following an exposé by the Sunday World. It was reported that Boyce had been spending weekends in Clonony, Co. Offaly, with a female companion, traveling from Mullingar after work on Fridays. Known locally as ‘Mike,’ he was often seen socializing in pubs with his female acquaintance. The community’s alarm grew when letters were sent to families, urging them to be vigilant and cautious. Some local men even considered taking the law into their own hands, reflecting the deep anger and fear that his presence incited.

Despite his criminal history, Boyce’s continued presence in the community has sparked widespread outrage. A local source expressed horror that he was so close to a school and emphasized that he is not just a paedophile but also a serial rapist who shows no regard for the age of his victims. The community’s concern is compounded by the fact that Boyce’s actions have left a trail of victims and ongoing trauma, with many demanding justice and safety for their children and loved ones.