THOMAS RYAN FROM CORK AND WELWYN GARDEN CITY SENTENCED FOR NEARLY 15 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Welwyn Garden City and Cork, Thomas Ryan has been sentenced to nearly 15 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against two young girls. The crimes spanned over two decades, with the first incidents occurring when Ryan was residing in Welwyn Garden City during the mid-1980s, and the subsequent abuse taking place years later while he was living in Stevenage.

At the hearing held at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday, June 20, the presiding judge, Jonathan Carroll, addressed the gravity of the case, describing it as a tragic destruction of two young lives. The judge emphasized the profound impact of Ryan’s actions, stating, “This case deals with the tragic destruction of two young lives,” and adding, “You stole their innocence and childhood.”

Thomas Ryan, aged 71 and currently residing in Ireland, appeared in court in custody to admit to multiple charges, including indecency with a child, cruelty to a child under 16, indecent assault, and assault on a child by penetration. The prosecution, led by Will Noble, outlined the disturbing details of the offenses.

According to Mr. Noble, Ryan’s first victim was a teenage girl living in Welwyn Garden City during the mid-1980s. The abuse began with Ryan giving her alcohol and then coercing her into intimate acts that she found distressing. The court was told that this abuse persisted until she reached the age of 16. The girl kept her suffering hidden for many years, only coming forward to the police in 2006. However, at that time, she was not ready to pursue charges against Ryan.

The court also heard that around the same period, Ryan had begun abusing a second young girl while residing in Stevenage. This second victim was under the age of 10 when the abuse started, which involved inappropriate touching. Ryan repeatedly told her not to tell anyone, warning her, “It’s our little secret,” a phrase that underscored the manipulative nature of his actions. Like the first girl, she remained silent about her ordeal for years.

The abuse of the second girl took place over a four-year period from 2002 to 2006. It was only in September of the previous year that she, now a young woman, decided to report the abuse to the police. Her disclosure prompted the police to contact the first victim, who had previously come forward in 2006. Upon learning of the second victim’s allegations, she was re-interviewed and provided a detailed statement, which led to Ryan’s charges concerning her as well.

Both victims suffered significant emotional and psychological trauma as a result of Ryan’s actions. They experienced depression and anxiety, with one turning to alcohol and drugs as a means of coping. Their suffering highlights the devastating long-term effects of such abuse.

During the court proceedings, Ryan’s defense attorney, Andel Singh of Ardnageehy Beg, Bantry, West Cork, acknowledged the severity of his client’s actions. Singh stated, “He accepts what he did was horrific, horrendous. He accepts there is absolutely no excuse for what he has done.”

Judge Carroll sentenced Thomas Ryan to a total of 14 years and eight months in prison. Additionally, Ryan was placed under a sexual harm prevention order, and his name will be added to the sex offenders register, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the public from further harm.