Former principal, 91, jailed over 'brazen' abuse of pupil
A former principal of De La Salle National School in Waterford city has been sentenced to four years and three months in prison for abusing a child.
In a Waterford Circuit Court, 91-year-old former De La Salle National School principal, Con Desmond, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for abusing a child between 1978 and 1980. Desmond was found guilty on nine counts of indecent assault, with a final year suspended. The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, testified about the lifelong impact of the abuse, including loss of respect for authority and reliance on drink and drugs to numb the psychological pain.
During the Covid lockdown, the victim confided in a trusted friend, who encouraged him to report the abuse to the police. Desmond, previously convicted of similar offenses, appeared before the court in July 2024 but presented as aggressive, shouting about getting weapons and denying the allegations. Judge Eugene O'Kelly described Desmond's actions as a "brazen" breach of trust and an egregious violation, particularly as he committed the abuse while serving as principal.
The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting pain and loss of faith in authority, while the judge emphasized the sexual abuse that occurred within the school setting under the guise of physical chastisement.
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