MICHAEL MCMANUS FROM LISNASKEA JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN NORTHERN IRELAND

In October 2013, Michael McManus, a 66-year-old man from Carrowshee Park in Lisnaskea, was sentenced to a year in prison after admitting to multiple historic child sex abuse charges. The case was heard at Dungannon Crown Court, where McManus pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault and one count of gross indecency involving three young girls.

One of the victims, who was visibly distressed, attended the court for the sentencing hearing. The offences spanned several years, with the earliest incidents occurring in February 1990. During that month, McManus indecently assaulted one girl and committed an act of gross indecency against her. Over the next two years, until July 1992, he continued to indecently assault the same girl. Additionally, between May 1990 and May 1993, he assaulted another young girl, and between January 2005 and 2006, he targeted a third girl for similar abuse.

For legal reasons, the identities of the victims cannot be disclosed. Court proceedings revealed disturbing details of McManus’s actions. On one occasion, he unlawfully touched one of the girls by inserting his fingers inside her vagina while she pretended to be asleep. On another, he sat a girl on his knee, rubbed her thigh, kissed her, and inserted his tongue into her mouth.

Prosecution barrister Michael McAleer highlighted the aggravating factors in the case, emphasizing that there were three complainants and that McManus had abused a position of trust. Judge Geoffrey Miller QC acknowledged these points, noting the significant age disparity between the pre-pubescent victims and the defendant as an aggravating element.

Despite the severity of the charges, the court considered mitigating factors. McManus had no prior convictions, and the incidents involved limited touching without premeditation. It was also noted that he was battling alcoholism, and his guilty plea had spared the victims from having to testify in a lengthy trial. Evidence of remorse was presented, including his treatment at hospitals in Tyrone and Fermanagh.

Defense lawyer Mark Mulholland described McManus as a man who understood that prison was inevitable. He shared personal hardships, including the death of his wife in the 1990s and the discovery of his brother’s death in 2004 after they had been drinking heavily together. Mulholland read a statement from Gerry McHugh, a friend of McManus, who expressed awareness of his recovery from alcoholism and acknowledged his shame and remorse for past actions.

The court also heard that in August 2012, McManus overdosed on brandy and pills, stating he could not face jail time. In March 2013, he voluntarily admitted himself to hospital, citing suicidal thoughts, and was administered a tranquillizer. These incidents indicated ongoing mental health struggles and remorse for his conduct.

Judge Miller sentenced McManus to one year in Maghaberry Prison. Following his incarceration, he will be subject to three years of probation, during which he must actively participate in the Community Sex Offender Group Work Programme. Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender for ten years and adhere to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. This order prohibits him from contacting or communicating with anyone under 18, staying away from his home without approval, working or volunteering with children, loitering near child-centric locations such as schools and playgrounds, and having any contact with his victims.