Ex-Church volunteer jailed for abusing 14 boys

Former Church of Ireland volunteer Patrick O’Brien has been jailed for 13 years for abusing 14 young boys.

Patrick O’Brien of Knocklyon Road, Templeogue in Dublin is 77 years old. At Dublin’s court he pleaded guilty to molesting and raping young boys.

O´Brien committed these crimes between 1974 – 2014. The sexual abuse of the young boys took place at St. Patrick’s cathedral in Dublin, and also in his workplace, his car, his boat and in the boy’s family homes.

Photo by Collins Courts

Four victims came to court for the sentence hearing. Many victim impact reports were ready, but not everybody wanted their statement to be read out. Obviously all of the victims wish to maintain their anonymity.

Detective Superintendent Declan Daly from the Garda National Protection Services Bureau thanked the victims for coming forward: “I’d simply like to commend the bravery of all the victims in this case.”