This article is from page 16 of the 2005-11-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
A 61-YEAR-old former cub scouts leader who indecently assaulted two young brothers in the early 1970s in Kilrush has been remanded in custody for four weeks.
Thomas Waters, of Moore Street, Kilrush – an employee of ESB at Moneypoint – pleaded guilty to 20 counts of indecently assaulting one of his victims between 1970 and 1975. He also admit- ted 12 counts of indecent assaulting another victim between 1970 and 1972 and one count of buggery, in 1970.
One of the victims – who are now both in their forties – was just eight or nine which the abuse started. The complaints were made to gardai in ree
Psychiatrist Dr Patrick O’Byrne told Ennis Circuit Court has treated Waters for over 20
years, after the accused visited him voluntarily. “There were little holes in his superego which would allow him to think he was doing young people a favour and wouldn’t see anything very wrong in it,’ said Dr O’Byrne.
Defending barrister Mark Nicholas said his client has acknowledged what he did was wrong and is filled with remorse. He said he attended counselling, before any complaints were made.
He pointed out that a report from the Grenada Institute for sex offenders stated that Waters now presents a low to moderate risk of offending. Mr Nicholas said Waters had assembled €60,000 for his victims, which he said was not a measure of compensation but a measure of his contrition.
Judge Carroll Moran said the case was a very difficult one, where the accused abused his posi- tion of trust.
“The facts of the case are very sordid and very
unpleasant. The accused was in a position of trust. He misused his position and betrayed the trust,” said the judge.
Pointing out that in one instance, the abuse took place twice a week over a three-year pe- riod, the judge said, “This was an appalling way to mistreat two boys. Of course it had a most detrimental scar on their childhood and on their development.
‘There was no show of remorse or apology un- til very late in the proceedings and he now comes into court with a substantial sum of money, but it is very late in the day.”
The judge pointed out that he took the guilty plea into account and accepted Waters’ entire savings were being used to meet the case.
Adjourning sentence until December 13 next, the judge said he needs time to consider whether the accused should face a custodial sentence.