THOMAS DONAGHY FROM SILVERBRIDGE SENTENCED FOR NEPHEW ABUSE IN ARMAGH

In August 2014, Thomas Donaghy, a 77-year-old man from O'Callaghan Road in Silverbridge, was sentenced to a five-year prison term after being found guilty of multiple counts of sexual abuse against his young nephew, Micheal Donaghy. The conviction followed a jury’s unanimous verdict in June, which confirmed that Thomas Donaghy had committed eight counts of gross indecency and eight counts of indecent assault on Micheal.

These heinous acts took place over a span of four years during the early 1980s, when Micheal was just ten years old. The abuse occurred while the boy was sleeping in his uncle’s bed at his grandparents’ farmhouse in Silverbridge, a location where the victim was often left during family visits. The court heard that Micheal was required to sleep in his uncle’s double bed because there were no other available bedrooms, a situation that facilitated the abuse.

Judge Stephen Fowler QC detailed the disturbing nature of the case, explaining that Micheal had told the jury about the abuse, which involved sexual acts performed on him by his uncle. The judge emphasized that the abuse was both repeated and sustained, beginning when Micheal was ten and continuing until he was fourteen. The court described how the defendant manipulated his nephew for his own sexual gratification, including an incident where Donaghy got on top of Micheal and carried out a degrading sexual act.

Prosecutor Geraldine McCullough highlighted the emotional toll on Micheal, noting that he had been ostracized by his immediate family—his father, mother, brother, and sister—after initially confiding in them about the abuse. Despite this, Micheal received ongoing support from his wife Sinead and their children. McCullough pointed out that Donaghy continued to deny the allegations and showed no remorse for his actions. The court considered these factors as aggravating, alongside the fact that the abuse took place at night and involved a breach of trust, given the familial relationship.

During the sentencing hearing, Donaghy’s defense lawyer, John Kearney QC, argued that his client, who hails from a rural area, had lost everything important to him—his reputation and good name—and expressed a desire to return to his community after serving his sentence.

Judge Fowler outlined the case’s facts, stating that Micheal had to sleep in his uncle’s bed because of the lack of other rooms, and that the abuse involved the victim being made to perform acts on his uncle as well. The judge described the abuse as deliberate grooming from an early age, which caused significant harm to Micheal. The court also heard that Micheal’s decision to report the abuse only came after his own children reached the age he was when the abuse started, feeling compelled to come forward after years of silence.

Thomas Donaghy was arrested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), and during police interviews, he denied the allegations, claiming that Micheal had fabricated the story after discovering he had left land to another nephew. The jury rejected this defense, and the court branded Donaghy a “sexual predator,” condemning his actions as a serious breach of trust, especially considering the vulnerability of his young victim.

In sentencing, Judge Fowler acknowledged the case’s aggravating factors, including the planning involved and the duration of the abuse, which spanned from 1981 to 1985. The judge noted the significant age difference between Donaghy, who was in his mid-40s at the time, and his ten-year-old nephew. The court determined that Donaghy posed a medium risk of reoffending and ordered that he be subject to a Sexual Offenders’ Prevention Order for five years. He was also banned from working with children and required to notify police of his address and travel plans upon release.

Following the sentencing, Micheal Donaghy expressed relief outside the Laganside court complex, stating that he was “relieved” that his uncle had finally been jailed. He acknowledged the emotional toll, saying, “There are no winners in all of this,” and that he was glad the ordeal was over so he wouldn’t have to return to court. When asked about the family’s response, he said, “I just have to move on with my life.” Micheal also urged other victims to come forward, emphasizing that help is available. He extended his gratitude to the prosecution team, the PSNI, Nexus, Victim Support, and his neighbors and friends for their support throughout the case.