PETER SHARKEY OF CO MONAGHAN SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE AND RAPE IN DUNDALK AND CO LOUTH
| Red Rose Database
Co Monaghan Rapist
In a case that has shocked the community and brought to light the devastating impact of long-term child abuse, Peter Sharkey, a 47-year-old man from Mucknow Street, Castleblayney in County Monaghan, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse and rape of multiple children. Sharkey, who was also previously residing in Parnell Park, Dundalk, was found guilty of abusing six children over a span of nearly three decades, with two of these victims subjected to rape.
The abuse reportedly began in the late 1980s and continued into the mid-2010s, with the victims suffering in silence for many years. It was only after one of the victims, now aged 19, decided to come forward and report the assault to the Gardaí in April 2015 that the full extent of the crimes was uncovered. This disclosure prompted the other victims to also step forward, revealing what Judge Patrick McCarthy described as "extremely serious" abuse that had been inflicted upon them.
During the court proceedings, Sharkey pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including three counts of indecent assault committed between 1987 and 1990, six counts of sexual assault spanning from 1997 to 2015, and two counts of rape. The offences took place at various addresses in County Louth, with the judge noting the breach of trust involved in these acts.
Judge McCarthy paid tribute to the victims, acknowledging the courage it took for them to come forward and share their experiences. He highlighted the emotional and psychological scars left by Sharkey’s actions, with victims describing feelings of fear, loss of self-esteem, and a sense of having their childhood stolen. One victim expressed that Sharkey had "stolen a piece of her soul," and she was in court to reclaim it. Another victim recounted living in a constant state of fear, while a third described her childhood as being robbed.
The judge emphasized that while the victims were isolated during the abuse, their collective efforts in seeking justice should serve as a source of some comfort. He remarked that the victim impact statements were profoundly moving and provided a stark reminder of the damage caused by such violations.
Addressing the nature of the crimes, Mr. Justice McCarthy described the offending as a gross breach of trust and reiterated that there is no cure for paedophilia. He stated that Sharkey was a dangerous paedophile, and the court had no alternative but to impose a severe sentence. Although Sharkey showed some remorse late in the proceedings, the judge noted that acknowledgment of guilt was an essential first step toward potential rehabilitation.
In sentencing, the judge ordered that some of the sentences be served consecutively, resulting in the 18-year term. This approach ensures that each victim receives appropriate punishment for the crimes committed against them. Additionally, Sharkey was ordered to undergo supervision by probation services for five years following his release and was mandated to register on the sex offenders register, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
The abuse reportedly began in the late 1980s and continued into the mid-2010s, with the victims suffering in silence for many years. It was only after one of the victims, now aged 19, decided to come forward and report the assault to the Gardaí in April 2015 that the full extent of the crimes was uncovered. This disclosure prompted the other victims to also step forward, revealing what Judge Patrick McCarthy described as "extremely serious" abuse that had been inflicted upon them.
During the court proceedings, Sharkey pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including three counts of indecent assault committed between 1987 and 1990, six counts of sexual assault spanning from 1997 to 2015, and two counts of rape. The offences took place at various addresses in County Louth, with the judge noting the breach of trust involved in these acts.
Judge McCarthy paid tribute to the victims, acknowledging the courage it took for them to come forward and share their experiences. He highlighted the emotional and psychological scars left by Sharkey’s actions, with victims describing feelings of fear, loss of self-esteem, and a sense of having their childhood stolen. One victim expressed that Sharkey had "stolen a piece of her soul," and she was in court to reclaim it. Another victim recounted living in a constant state of fear, while a third described her childhood as being robbed.
The judge emphasized that while the victims were isolated during the abuse, their collective efforts in seeking justice should serve as a source of some comfort. He remarked that the victim impact statements were profoundly moving and provided a stark reminder of the damage caused by such violations.
Addressing the nature of the crimes, Mr. Justice McCarthy described the offending as a gross breach of trust and reiterated that there is no cure for paedophilia. He stated that Sharkey was a dangerous paedophile, and the court had no alternative but to impose a severe sentence. Although Sharkey showed some remorse late in the proceedings, the judge noted that acknowledgment of guilt was an essential first step toward potential rehabilitation.
In sentencing, the judge ordered that some of the sentences be served consecutively, resulting in the 18-year term. This approach ensures that each victim receives appropriate punishment for the crimes committed against them. Additionally, Sharkey was ordered to undergo supervision by probation services for five years following his release and was mandated to register on the sex offenders register, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.