MICHAEL MOONEY FROM LIMERICK SENTENCED FOR MULTIPLE SEXUAL ABUSES IN BRUFF AND BEYOND

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Limerick, Michael Moloney, a man from Bruff, has been subjected to multiple convictions related to the sexual abuse of two of his stepdaughters over a span of several years. The details of his crimes, the court proceedings, and the impact on the victims reveal a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that has left deep scars.

Moloney, aged 44, was initially sentenced in October 2018 to ten years in prison after pleading guilty to eight counts of sexual abuse committed between 2009 and 2015. His crimes included the rape of his stepdaughter Jenni Prunty, with the abuse occurring when she was between the ages of 10 and 17. The court heard that Moloney’s actions had a profound and lasting effect on Jenni, who, in a heartfelt victim impact statement, expressed feelings of betrayal, loss of trust, and ongoing emotional trauma.

Jenni Prunty, who chose to waive her right to anonymity to shed light on her ordeal, described how her trust in her family was shattered by Moloney’s actions. She recounted her feelings of discomfort around her own father and her strained relationship with her mother, whom she accused of bringing Moloney into their lives. Her statement revealed the deep psychological scars left by the abuse, including feelings of suspicion towards men and a sense of lost childhood innocence. She also expressed resentment towards her mother for the circumstances that allowed Moloney’s abuse to occur and highlighted the difficulty she faces in forming healthy relationships.

Further details emerged during the court proceedings, revealing that Moloney had also sexually abused another stepdaughter, Chloe, between the ages of six and eight. Chloe, now 26, courageously waived her anonymity to publicly identify Moloney, aiming to ensure he is named and shamed for his actions. She described her experience as a traumatic chapter in her life, emphasizing her desire for justice and accountability. Chloe stated, “My innocence was taken from me,” and expressed her wish for Moloney to be closely monitored upon his release from prison. She made it clear that she could never forgive him, describing him as a “sick, twisted, vile excuse for a human,” and voiced her hope that he remains under strict supervision to prevent any further harm.

Moloney’s criminal history is extensive. He was already serving a seven-and-a-half-year sentence for the sexual assault and rape of Jenni Prunty when he was convicted again in 2018. The court heard that he had admitted to three counts of sexual abuse against Chloe in 2002 and 2004, and later to over 15 instances of abuse against Jenni, including a rape charge that he initially denied but later acknowledged. His father, John Moloney, is also a convicted child abuser, adding a disturbing familial context to the case.

During the court proceedings, Moloney attempted to offer an apology to Chloe, but she dismissed it as a desperate attempt to save himself, emphasizing that no words could undo the childhood trauma inflicted upon her. She recounted her ongoing struggles with anxiety, including severe episodes where she would self-harm and bleed in her sleep, illustrating the long-term psychological toll of his abuse. Despite some improvement over the years, Chloe remains deeply affected, and she expressed relief at finally seeing justice served, describing the experience as a weight lifted from her shoulders.

In her victim impact statement, Chloe made it clear she would never forgive Moloney, and she expressed concern about his potential release from prison. She hopes that he will be kept under strict surveillance and not be allowed near children again. Her relationship with her mother, strained by the abuse, has begun to heal now that she has come forward, strengthening their bond.

Judge Deirdre Murphy acknowledged the severity of Moloney’s crimes, describing the abuse as “persistent sexual abuse” that devastates families and leaves lasting scars. She noted that Moloney still maintains his innocence regarding the rape charge but accepted his guilty pleas for the sexual assaults. The judge sentenced him to a total of ten years for the rape, with the final two and a half years suspended, and a concurrent seven-year sentence for the sexual assault charges, with three and a half years suspended. Moloney is currently serving his sentence, but concerns remain about his future and the potential risk he poses to society, especially children, once he is released.