Judge lifts reporting restrictions to allow man (80) who abused five boys to be named
Gordon Deegan
A judge has lifted reporting restrictions to allow an 80-year-old Shannon man, who indecently assaulted five boys over a six-year period at locations in Clare and Limerick, to be named for the first time.
At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford lifted previously imposed reporting restrictions on the naming of Jim Harmon, of Pinewood, Shannon, Co Clare, after counsel for the State, Lorcan Connolly BL, told the court that "there is no legal bar" to Mr Harmon being identified.
Mr Connolly said: "There is no basis in law for any restriction".
Judge Comerford agreed, but stated the complainants cannot be identified.
Mr Harmon, who turns 81 in May, pleaded guilty to 12 separate counts of indecent assault against the five boys from 1976 to 1981 at four locations in Clare and Limerick.
Mr Harmon was aged 33 to 38 at the time of the offences.
Mr Harmon initially faced 26 counts when charged in the District Court. Mr Connolly, instructed by State solicitor, Aisling Casey, had stated the pleas are acceptable on a full facts basis.
Mr Connolly told Judge Comerford that "the prosecution are anxious that it would proceed in early course".
He said the court previously directed victim impact statements, adding that the statements from five victims "is in hand and will be completed".
Mr Connolly added: "The sentencing hearing will take some time. It deals with the historical nature between 1976 and the early 1980s. It will be somewhat involved."
Judge Comerford has already ordered a psychologist’s report for the sentencing hearing.
Mr Connolly said that there is no familial link between the accused and the victims.
Judge Comerford adjourned the case to May for sentencing.
The allegations have been investigated by the Protective Services Unit attached to Henry Street Garda Station in Limerick since 2019.
As part of Mr Harmon's bail conditions, he is to have no contact with the witnesses directly or indirectly, surrender his passport, reside at a Clare address and sign on twice-weekly at his local Garda station.
