PAUL GILMORE FROM BALLYSHANNON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN DONEGAL

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Ballyshannon, County Donegal, a man identified as Paul Gilmore, aged 30, has been sentenced to nine months in prison after pleading guilty to engaging in sexual activities with a young girl who was only 13 years old at the time. The incident, which took place several years ago, was brought to light during a court hearing at Donegal Circuit Criminal Court, where the details of the abuse and its devastating impact on the victim were laid bare.

According to court records, Gilmore, a part-time DJ residing at Lawne Park in Ballyshannon, admitted to three sample charges of sexually assaulting the girl. The court heard that the abuse occurred when Gilmore was 23, and on one particularly disturbing occasion, he sexually assaulted her while his partner was in the hospital giving birth to their second child. The victim, now aged 20, bravely attended the court proceedings alongside her stepfather, demonstrating remarkable courage and resilience in the face of her traumatic past.

The judge presiding over the case, Gerard Griffin, sentenced Gilmore to a total of two years' imprisonment, with 15 months of that sentence suspended. In his remarks, Judge Griffin emphasized that Gilmore was fully aware of the girl’s age and her vulnerable circumstances. He stated, “He knew she was 13 and not under the care of her parents and running wild at the time. He took advantage of her for his own sexual gratification. He knew, or should have known, she came from a dysfunctional family which was not likely to call a halt to the abuse.”

The court also acknowledged the strength and bravery of the victim, who has endured significant emotional trauma, including multiple suicide attempts and overdoses, as she struggled to come to terms with the abuse she suffered. The judge expressed admiration for her fortitude and explicitly reassured her that the abuse was not her fault, stating, “The victim has wondered ‘Was this all my fault?’ The answer is a very firm ‘No’.”

Detective Garda Liam Feeney was commended for his swift and thorough investigation, which played a crucial role in bringing Gilmore to justice. Judge Griffin remarked, “I can only shudder at what may have happened to the victim if he didn’t act so fast.”

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Gilmore’s partner, Michelle, was visibly emotional as the sentencing was announced. The court heard that the young girl had initially contacted Gilmore via text message after meeting him in July 2003. Gilmore then drove her to a secluded area near a beach, where he engaged in sexual activity with her in the front passenger seat of his car. He subsequently asked her not to disclose what had transpired.

Further disturbing details emerged, including an incident where Gilmore had sex with the girl in his car while a recording of himself singing a Westlife song played in the background. The tape was later recovered from his residence and became part of the evidence against him. On another occasion, Gilmore took the girl to his home while his partner was hospitalized for the birth of their second child. During this visit, he served her vodka and took her to an upstairs bedroom where they engaged in sexual activity.

The victim, whose identity remains protected by court order, disclosed that she had been sexually involved with a total of 22 men when she was only 13 years old. She kept a diary documenting her encounters and even maintained a 'period' chart to track potential fathers in case she became pregnant. The investigation also explored the possibility of a sex ring operating within Ballyshannon, but Garda Feeney confirmed that authorities had discounted this theory after thorough inquiries.

This case has left a lasting impact on the Ballyshannon community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable young individuals from exploitation and abuse.