PATRICK HUGHES SHIELDING IN CASTLEKNOCK GETS ONE YEAR FOR INDECENT ASSAULT ON BOY
| Red Rose Database
Castleknock Sexual Abuser
In a case that has drawn significant public attention, 82-year-old Catholic priest Patrick Hughes, residing on Park Drive Court in Castleknock, Dublin, has been sentenced to a one-year prison term after pleading guilty to charges of indecent assault against a young boy during the 1970s and 1980s. The court proceedings revealed a troubling history of misconduct, as well as the complicity and delays caused by church authorities during the investigation.
During the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, it was disclosed that the church authorities had actively hindered the Gardaí’s efforts to locate Fr Hughes when they initially sought to investigate allegations against him. The Gardaí described the church’s response as giving them “the run around,” which contributed to delays in bringing the case to court. Following widespread media coverage and public scrutiny, Fr Hughes left Ireland in 2002. It was not until 2007 that Gardaí managed to track him down in the United Kingdom.
Legal counsel for Fr Hughes, Remy Farrell, acknowledged that the church had been reluctant to cooperate fully with law enforcement, describing their approach as “reluctant to deal with the matter in a candid fashion.” However, he noted that once Fr Hughes was approached by Gardaí in the UK, his attitude shifted, and he cooperated with authorities.
The court heard detailed accounts of the abuse, which took place at a parochial house and during trips to the beach. The victim, whose identity remains confidential, was subjected to indecent assaults by Fr Hughes on multiple occasions. These incidents also included the priest intercepting the boy on his way to school and abusing him in his car, despite the boy’s efforts to change his bus stop and alter his daily routine to avoid the priest.
Further evidence revealed that Fr Hughes would often contact the boy’s mother, requesting permission to visit their home to do odd jobs, and would take him on trips to the beach, further establishing a pattern of grooming and abuse. In his statements to Gardaí, Fr Hughes claimed he was not a paedophile but admitted to being “attracted to altar boys,” a statement that the court found troubling. He expressed confusion over his attractions, stating that he could not be explained even by psychiatrists, and added that he had received counselling in the United States.
In a heartfelt statement read aloud in court, Fr Hughes expressed deep remorse for his actions, apologizing to his victim and his family. He stated that he was “most profoundly sorry” for the harm caused and humbly asked for forgiveness. The priest, now in his 83rd year, also mentioned that he had not offended in the past 25 years and credited a rehabilitation programme in Maryland, US, for his efforts at reform, which he said was facilitated by the benevolence of his superiors.
It was noted that the victim chose not to attend the court proceedings or provide a victim impact statement. The case was initiated in 2003 after the victim’s mother became concerned upon reading newspaper articles about Fr Hughes. Judge Katherine Delahunt commended Gardaí for their diligent work, stating that they went “almost beyond the call of duty” in investigating the case. She also remarked that the lengthy delay in bringing the case to court was partly due to individuals “shielding” Fr Hughes.
Concluding her remarks, Judge Delahunt emphasized the breach of trust involved in the case and sentenced Fr Hughes to one year in prison. She clarified that the maximum penalty for the offences was two years. The judge’s decision underscored the gravity of the abuse and the betrayal of trust by a figure of religious authority.
During the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, it was disclosed that the church authorities had actively hindered the Gardaí’s efforts to locate Fr Hughes when they initially sought to investigate allegations against him. The Gardaí described the church’s response as giving them “the run around,” which contributed to delays in bringing the case to court. Following widespread media coverage and public scrutiny, Fr Hughes left Ireland in 2002. It was not until 2007 that Gardaí managed to track him down in the United Kingdom.
Legal counsel for Fr Hughes, Remy Farrell, acknowledged that the church had been reluctant to cooperate fully with law enforcement, describing their approach as “reluctant to deal with the matter in a candid fashion.” However, he noted that once Fr Hughes was approached by Gardaí in the UK, his attitude shifted, and he cooperated with authorities.
The court heard detailed accounts of the abuse, which took place at a parochial house and during trips to the beach. The victim, whose identity remains confidential, was subjected to indecent assaults by Fr Hughes on multiple occasions. These incidents also included the priest intercepting the boy on his way to school and abusing him in his car, despite the boy’s efforts to change his bus stop and alter his daily routine to avoid the priest.
Further evidence revealed that Fr Hughes would often contact the boy’s mother, requesting permission to visit their home to do odd jobs, and would take him on trips to the beach, further establishing a pattern of grooming and abuse. In his statements to Gardaí, Fr Hughes claimed he was not a paedophile but admitted to being “attracted to altar boys,” a statement that the court found troubling. He expressed confusion over his attractions, stating that he could not be explained even by psychiatrists, and added that he had received counselling in the United States.
In a heartfelt statement read aloud in court, Fr Hughes expressed deep remorse for his actions, apologizing to his victim and his family. He stated that he was “most profoundly sorry” for the harm caused and humbly asked for forgiveness. The priest, now in his 83rd year, also mentioned that he had not offended in the past 25 years and credited a rehabilitation programme in Maryland, US, for his efforts at reform, which he said was facilitated by the benevolence of his superiors.
It was noted that the victim chose not to attend the court proceedings or provide a victim impact statement. The case was initiated in 2003 after the victim’s mother became concerned upon reading newspaper articles about Fr Hughes. Judge Katherine Delahunt commended Gardaí for their diligent work, stating that they went “almost beyond the call of duty” in investigating the case. She also remarked that the lengthy delay in bringing the case to court was partly due to individuals “shielding” Fr Hughes.
Concluding her remarks, Judge Delahunt emphasized the breach of trust involved in the case and sentenced Fr Hughes to one year in prison. She clarified that the maximum penalty for the offences was two years. The judge’s decision underscored the gravity of the abuse and the betrayal of trust by a figure of religious authority.