RONAN LOWTHER SENTENCED IN MOUNTCHARLES CASE INVOLVING SEXUAL ASSAULT OF 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL
| Red Rose Database
Mountcharles Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the community of Mountcharles and the wider Donegal region, Gardaí intervened urgently when disturbing details about a 13-year-old girl’s plans for a weekend away surfaced. The authorities swiftly obtained an emergency care order after discovering that the young girl, who was clearly troubled, had made arrangements to spend a weekend engaging in sexual activities outside her home environment.
This revelation came to light during the sentencing proceedings of Ronan Lowther, a 25-year-old chef from Mountcharles, Co Donegal. Lowther had previously pleaded guilty to a single count of sexually assaulting the girl in October 2003, when he was 18 years old. The assault took place in the back of his car, an incident that has since been a focal point of ongoing investigations and court proceedings.
The presiding judge, Raymond Fullam, sentenced Lowther to 18 months in prison. However, recognizing the circumstances and Lowther’s remorse, the judge suspended the sentence for a period of five years, allowing him to avoid immediate incarceration provided he complies with certain conditions.
This case marks the fifth individual brought before the courts in connection with the sexual abuse of the girl, and the fourth to be sentenced for crimes related to her exploitation in south Co Donegal. The court heard that the young girl had been abandoned to her own devices, which led her into a life of promiscuity before she entered care at the age of 18. The judge emphasized the tragic circumstances surrounding her upbringing and the impact it had on her vulnerability.
During the proceedings, Garda Liam Feeney provided detailed testimony about the investigation. He explained that an emergency care order was sought just weeks after the investigation commenced in November 2003. The Gardaí’s concerns were based on intelligence suggesting that the girl was likely to engage in sexual activity during the upcoming weekend, specifically after December 12. It was revealed that she had previously gone away for a weekend and had made arrangements to do so again, which heightened the urgency of the intervention.
The investigation uncovered a diary and lists containing the names of 60 men, over 20 of whom the girl claimed to have had sexual encounters with. Among these names was that of Ronan Lowther, whose involvement was confirmed through multiple lists. The court was told that the girl had her first sexual encounter with Lowther outside a nightclub in a Donegal town on August 4, 2003. Subsequently, in October of the same year, Lowther drove her to a lay-by where they again engaged in sexual activity inside his vehicle.
Lowther was questioned five times by Gardaí. During these interviews, he admitted knowing the girl but initially denied having any sexual contact with her. It was only when a jury was sworn in and a trial was imminent that Lowther changed his plea to guilty. During a brief statement in court, he expressed remorse, apologizing to the now 20-year-old victim, who was present and quietly weeping in the courtroom.
"I am deeply sorry for all the hurt and distress I have caused in her life. I accept I caused that hurt and distress," Lowther stated. He also acknowledged that he took advantage of her vulnerable situation.
Representing Lowther, his legal counsel highlighted that he was one of many men involved in this case, with only a small number having been brought before the courts so far. The judge ordered that Lowther be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years. He also praised Garda Liam Feeney, describing him as "a real pillar in this saga" for his diligent work throughout the investigation.
While noting the five-year age difference between Lowther and the girl, the judge clarified that this was not an excuse for his actions. He emphasized that a youth of 18 is different from older, more experienced individuals involved in similar cases. The court’s verdict aimed to provide some measure of comfort to the young woman, whose testimony was recognized as truthful and central to the case.
This revelation came to light during the sentencing proceedings of Ronan Lowther, a 25-year-old chef from Mountcharles, Co Donegal. Lowther had previously pleaded guilty to a single count of sexually assaulting the girl in October 2003, when he was 18 years old. The assault took place in the back of his car, an incident that has since been a focal point of ongoing investigations and court proceedings.
The presiding judge, Raymond Fullam, sentenced Lowther to 18 months in prison. However, recognizing the circumstances and Lowther’s remorse, the judge suspended the sentence for a period of five years, allowing him to avoid immediate incarceration provided he complies with certain conditions.
This case marks the fifth individual brought before the courts in connection with the sexual abuse of the girl, and the fourth to be sentenced for crimes related to her exploitation in south Co Donegal. The court heard that the young girl had been abandoned to her own devices, which led her into a life of promiscuity before she entered care at the age of 18. The judge emphasized the tragic circumstances surrounding her upbringing and the impact it had on her vulnerability.
During the proceedings, Garda Liam Feeney provided detailed testimony about the investigation. He explained that an emergency care order was sought just weeks after the investigation commenced in November 2003. The Gardaí’s concerns were based on intelligence suggesting that the girl was likely to engage in sexual activity during the upcoming weekend, specifically after December 12. It was revealed that she had previously gone away for a weekend and had made arrangements to do so again, which heightened the urgency of the intervention.
The investigation uncovered a diary and lists containing the names of 60 men, over 20 of whom the girl claimed to have had sexual encounters with. Among these names was that of Ronan Lowther, whose involvement was confirmed through multiple lists. The court was told that the girl had her first sexual encounter with Lowther outside a nightclub in a Donegal town on August 4, 2003. Subsequently, in October of the same year, Lowther drove her to a lay-by where they again engaged in sexual activity inside his vehicle.
Lowther was questioned five times by Gardaí. During these interviews, he admitted knowing the girl but initially denied having any sexual contact with her. It was only when a jury was sworn in and a trial was imminent that Lowther changed his plea to guilty. During a brief statement in court, he expressed remorse, apologizing to the now 20-year-old victim, who was present and quietly weeping in the courtroom.
"I am deeply sorry for all the hurt and distress I have caused in her life. I accept I caused that hurt and distress," Lowther stated. He also acknowledged that he took advantage of her vulnerable situation.
Representing Lowther, his legal counsel highlighted that he was one of many men involved in this case, with only a small number having been brought before the courts so far. The judge ordered that Lowther be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years. He also praised Garda Liam Feeney, describing him as "a real pillar in this saga" for his diligent work throughout the investigation.
While noting the five-year age difference between Lowther and the girl, the judge clarified that this was not an excuse for his actions. He emphasized that a youth of 18 is different from older, more experienced individuals involved in similar cases. The court’s verdict aimed to provide some measure of comfort to the young woman, whose testimony was recognized as truthful and central to the case.