MICHAEL KING SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON
In a case that has shocked the community of Boyle in County Roscommon, Michael King, a 52-year-old man with a history as a second-hand car salesman, has been handed a significant prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses.The crimes involved the grooming and assault of a teenage girl, who is the daughter of his wife’s goddaughter, and took place over a period spanning several months.
King’s offenses came to light after a lengthy investigation, culminating in his trial at Roscommon Circuit Criminal Court.
In March, a jury unanimously found him guilty of 12 counts of sexual assault against Tara Kelly, a young woman who chose to waive her right to anonymity in this case.
The assaults occurred at Warren View, Boyle, during unspecified dates between December 2004 and May 2005, when Ms.
Kelly was just 16 years old.
The gravity of the case was underscored during the sentencing hearing held at Longford Circuit Criminal Court on Wednesday.
Judge Kenneth Connolly sentenced Michael King to a total of six and a half years in prison.
The court also suspended the final year of his sentence, effectively reducing his time behind bars to five and a half years.
This sentence was backdated to March 28, 2023, the date when King was taken into custody following his arrest.
At the time of his trial, King was employed by Martin Reilly Motors, a well-known car dealership located in Sligo, where he worked as a salesman.
His employment status and the nature of his work had been part of the ongoing investigation, but the focus remained on the serious allegations and the impact on the victim.
The case has garnered significant attention within the local community, highlighting the importance of justice for victims of sexual abuse and the ongoing efforts to combat such crimes.
The court’s decision reflects the severity of the offenses committed and serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from exploitation and harm.
