DUBLIN CHILD SUPPORT MANAGER JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF NEPHEW
A former manager of Daughters of Charity family support centres in Dublin has been sentenced to four years in prison for sexually abusing his nephew 30 years ago.Paul Craven, aged 55, was convicted last year on 11 counts, including sexual assault and indecent assault, with incidents dating from 1989 to 1999.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the victim, Alan Jenkins, wished to waive his anonymity to identify Craven, of Meadow View, Sarsfield Road, Dublin.
Craven held a long career in youth work, most recently managing family centres operated by the Daughters of Charity in the north and southwest regions of Dublin.
The court previously heard that the abuse was mainly inappropriate touching.
The first incident involved Craven guiding the victim’s hand to his genital area, where he had concealed playing cards, when the victim was six or seven years old.
Judge Sinead Ni Chulauchain, presiding, imposed a four-year sentence and noted that Craven had breached the trust of a vulnerable boy.
She highlighted that the abuse took place in the victim's home, a place that should have been safe, and pointed out the long duration of the abuse and the significant age difference as aggravating factors.
The judge also recognized the lasting impact on Mr.
Jenkins, stating Craven used his position and qualifications to isolate and undermine him.
Despite Craven's positive references from colleagues and friends, the judge noted the offender does not accept guilt nor express remorse.
In a victim impact statement, Mr.
Jenkins described feeling very vulnerable and said that Craven 'took away my childhood, my teenage years, my young adulthood,' but expressed hope that the justice system has now brought some relief.
Mr.
Jenkins described Craven as someone who portrayed himself as a man of God, claiming to have saved delinquent boys’ lives, and noted that he was surprised that allegations against Craven were initially dismissed by Tusla as unfounded.
He told the court that Craven denied the allegations, has no prior convictions, and that he voluntarily attended Garda interviews.
Several testimonials from colleagues attesting to Craven’s character were read in his defense.
His wife was present in court to support him.
The defense argued that while the offences were serious, they do not rank at the highest level of such crimes, and emphasized that no other accusations have been made against him.
