STEPHEN CROWLEY FROM CO WESTMEATH SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL OFFENSES ON YOUNG GIRLS AT LOCAL FOOTBALL FIELD

In a case that has shocked the community of Mullingar and the wider Co Westmeath area, Stephen Crowley, a 27-year-old man, was sentenced to a decade in prison for heinous sexual offenses committed against young girls. The crimes took place on a football field, a place typically associated with innocence and recreation, but in this instance, it became the scene of a disturbing assault.

During the proceedings at the Central Criminal Court, Crowley, who is a baker by profession and resides in Lynn Heights, Mullingar, publicly expressed remorse for his actions. He stated, "I want to pay for what I have done," acknowledging the gravity of his crimes. Crowley pleaded guilty to ten counts of oral rape and sexual assault involving three girls aged between eight and ten years old, with the incidents occurring over a span from 1993 to 1995.

In his emotional testimony from the witness box, Crowley offered a sincere apology to his victims. He admitted that words alone could never undo the damage inflicted upon them and expressed deep regret, saying, "I wish I could take back all I have done but that cannot be done and I’m very sorry."

Justice Paul Carney, who presided over the case, sentenced Crowley to concurrent terms—ten years for two counts of oral rape and four years for sexual assault. While acknowledging Crowley's apparent remorse, the judge also noted that one of the victims had been threatened with death during the assault, adding a layer of severity to the case.

The victims, who appeared in court to give impact statements, revealed that they continue to suffer emotionally and socially from the trauma. One victim described feeling "dirty and horrible" whenever she revisits the memories of the assaults, highlighting the lasting scars left by Crowley's actions. The court was told that these experiences have adversely affected their relationships with friends and family, as well as their educational pursuits.

Justice Carney emphasized that the sentencing aimed to ensure consistency across similar cases, taking into account the seriousness of the offenses, the circumstances surrounding each incident, and the profound impact on the victims. He also considered Crowley's background, noting that he came from a very good family and had no prior convictions.

In a move to leave room for future cases, the judge suspended the final 18 months of Crowley's ten-year sentence, citing that Crowley had not occupied a trial date and that the remaining period could be reserved for the trial of another violent offender. The judge clarified that any reports suggesting the partial suspension was made without full disclosure would be misleading.

Det Garda Michael Burke provided testimony that Crowley admitted to the offenses upon his arrest in June 1999. Burke recounted that Crowley had given money to the girls and warned them not to disclose what was happening. Crowley also revealed that he recognized the wrongfulness of his actions and had sought help from a priest in 1995. Despite the severity of his crimes, it was noted that Crowley had no previous criminal record and was considered to come from a stable background.