Girl defiled by Limerick man, 35, in sugar daddy case, court hears

*** READER DISCRETION ADVISED ***

A LIMERICK man sexually exploited a vulnerable young person after he met her through Snapchat and entered into a “sugar relationship” with the girl, a court has heard.

Joseph Kiely, aged 39, of Cosgrave Park, Moyross, Limerick pleaded guilty to two counts of defilement - engaging in a sexual act with a child under the age of 17.

They occurred in separate hotels in Limerick on July 8 and July 9 in 2020.

Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the evidence at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court prior to Christmas. Judge Colin Daly sentenced Mr Kiely the following day.

The judge gave a summary of the evidence in which he said the victim told Mr Kiely she was 16 - when she was 14 - after they interacted on Snapchat.

“He was 35 at the time. During the course of a Snapchat interaction Mr Kiely proposed she enter into a sugar relationship with him,” said Judge Daly. A sugar relationship typically involves a mutually beneficial arrangement where one party (sugar daddy or sugar mommy) provides financial support or gifts in exchange for companionship or intimacy from the other party.

The judge said some time later the victim was going through a difficult period and in the company of older teenage friends.

“It appears they were partying and staying in various hotels in and around Limerick city and the environs. The victim then got in touch with Mr Kiely and arranged to meet him in a hotel on July 8, 2020, where they engaged in sexual intercourse in return for which he gave her cigarettes and €80.

“The next day she contacted him again and they arranged again to meet for sex in return for money. At a different hotel the victim performed oral sex on Mr Kiely and he gave her €90, said Judge Daly.

The court heard that on July 11, 2020, the victim gave a full account of events to her mother who reported what occurred to gardai. 

The victim gave a statement to gardai and Mr Kiely subsequently gave two voluntary interviews with  investigating gardai.

In assessing the gravity of the offence, Judge Daly said using a child for sexual gratification must be considered to be one of the most serious offences. 

The judge said children, a 14-year-old in this case, are very vulnerable and all adults have to protect children, keep them from harm, keep them from abuse, and keep them from exploitation.

“The accused cannot hide behind ignorance of the actual age of consent nor can he hide behind his recklessness in becoming involved with someone for sexual purposes who was so obviously much, much younger than him.

“The harm done can be identified by the victim impact statement which gives clear insight into the harm this young person has experienced. The victim impact statement is generous in its lack of blame towards the accused.

“He was reckless to an enormous degree in the exploitation of a vulnerable young person,” said Judge Daly.

In terms of mitigation, the judge took into account Mr Kiely’s guilty plea at the earliest opportunity, co-operation with gardai, no previous convictions and that he made no further attempt to contact the victim in the intervening years.

READ MORE: Limerick gardai seize high-powered vehicle in Rathkeale

Judge Daly imposed a three-year jail sentence with the final year suspended. Mr Kiely was placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Mark Nicholas SC, defending, applied for a stay on the execution of the custodial warrant. Judge Daly granted the application for 21 days. Mr Kiely is to attend at Limerick Prison on January 7.

The judge lifted reporting restrictions on naming Mr Kiely but stressed that nothing could be reported that would identify the victim.

If you have been affected by this story please contact the 24 Hour Rape Crisis Helpline on 1800 778888 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111