TERENCE FITZPATRICK FROM BELFAST AND CO CAVAN JAILED FOR ABUSING BOYS IN DONEGAL CARAVAN

In a case that has shocked the community, Terence Fitzpatrick, a man originally from Belfast and residing in Co Cavan, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving young boys. The crimes took place over several years, from 1989 to 1996, in a caravan located in Co Donegal, where Fitzpatrick had taken advantage of his position and familiarity with the boys' families to commit these heinous acts.

Fitzpatrick, who was 68 years old at the time of sentencing, had previously worked as a bus driver and was known in the Belfast area. His residence at the time of his arrest was Fitzpatrick Cottage in Kilsallagh, Bawnboy, Co Cavan. Despite his conviction, Fitzpatrick maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, a stance he upheld even as the court delivered its verdict.

The court heard that Fitzpatrick had a close relationship with the families of the victims, which he exploited to carry out his crimes. The victims, two young boys aged between 9 and 14, would travel from Belfast to Donegal, where a relative of Fitzpatrick owned a caravan. During these visits, Fitzpatrick would sometimes give the boys small alcohol shandies to drink. However, the abuse escalated when the boys were left alone with him, often when an older relative would go to bed.

On such occasions, Fitzpatrick would ply the boys with alcohol and then proceed to sexually assault them. The court was told that he engaged in particularly disturbing acts, including making the boys remove their clothing and comparing the sizes of their penises before fondling them. One of the victims recounted that Fitzpatrick also took him for a drive, sat him on his knee, and allowed him to steer the car, all the while fondling him. Fitzpatrick even asked the boy if he wanted a sexual act, which was refused.

Further allegations revealed that Fitzpatrick went as far as to go to bed with one of the boys and masturbate him. The victims confided that they never discussed the abuse with anyone at the time, feeling too embarrassed. They also recounted that Fitzpatrick had warned them not to speak about what had happened, claiming he had a dangerous brother who showed them a shotgun to intimidate them.

When Fitzpatrick was arrested in 2015, he denied any knowledge of the boys or the abuse. It was only later, when one of the victims confided in his mother about the assault, that the case gained momentum. The mother was so distressed by the revelation that she became suicidal. Throughout the trial, Fitzpatrick was accompanied by his sister but continued to deny the allegations.

Judge John Aylmer sentenced Fitzpatrick on three counts of sexual assault. The sentences were set at six-and-a-half years, three-and-a-half years, and three years, respectively. All sentences are to run concurrently, meaning Fitzpatrick will serve a total of six-and-a-half years in prison. The court's decision underscores the severity of the crimes committed and the lasting impact on the victims, who endured years of silent suffering.