Newtowncunningham 'predator' to be sentenced for sex offences

A Newtowncunningham man, whom a victim described as a “predator,” will be sentenced on Friday, July 31, at Letterkenny Circuit Court for sexual offences against young boys over a 14-year period.

Martin Joseph, known as ‘Joe’ Cullen, 64, who has an address in Colehill, Newtowncunningham, was brought before Judge Roderick Maguire at Letterkenny Courthouse, from his place in custody at Midlands Prison.

Cullen was found guilty in July, following a five-day trial, of seven counts of sexual assault against five boys during a period between 1993 and 2007.

The charges that relate to Cullen were contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act, 1990, as amended by Section 37 of the Sexual Offenders Act, 2001.

Cullen also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of child exploitation, contrary to Section 3(2) and 3(3) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998, relating to an offence dated between 2008 and 2010, against a young male, who was forced to watch Cullen masturbate.

Regarding this offence, the court heard that Cullen pleaded guilty as a trial was set to commence, and after a jury had been empanelled for this charge. The court heard that Cullen then indicated that he wanted that plea changed, but no application was further made.

Fiona Crawford BL read out the facts of the case with Detective Garda Bobby Carey in the witness box.

The court heard how Cullen committed his acts on his victims, who were aged between 8 and 13, touching the victims’ genitals and buttocks, and also showed some of the victims pornography on a phone.

Various victim impact statements were read in the courtroom, including two by the victims themselves.

It was said at court: “Having this unimaginable act happening to me was numbing and scary. The fear was overwhelming. Who would believe a child over an adult?

“I felt extremely trapped. These ordeals have made an impact on my life.

“I have chosen to read my own impact statement in the hope I can finally feel closure and move on with my life in a positive way.

“Here’s to justice, not feeling scared anymore, and finally feeling free.”

A second victim impact statement said: “I have struggled with my trust, even around the people who care about me.

“I often feel anxious. I carry feelings of guilt and anger.”

The court heard a victim’s comment stating: “I am happy to see that this predator can not do this to anyone else, and the world is much safer with him locked up.”

Defence Barrister, Peter Nolan BL, spoke to Judge Maguire in mitigation. Referencing the separate charge for child exploitation, he said: “For what it is worth, there was eventually a guilty plea.

“It did save the experience of not having to witness an open court or cross-examine.”

Judge Maguire intervened: “I would also have to weigh in the value of that. It is somewhat minimised by the history after that.

Mr Nolan then said: “In fairness to Mr Cullen, there was a guilty plea.

“The previous good character of Mr Cullen. He has no previous convictions. He has worked most of his life.”

Cullen, said Mr Nolan, fully accepted the jury’s verdict.

He stated: “He has, by way of remorse, written a reasonably brief apology.”

It was read out in court: “To all concerned, I wish to apologise for what has happened and for all the pain and suffering I have caused.”

Mr Nolan commented: “I would ask you to consider that he has been incarcerated since July 29.

“In relation to his own background, he suffers no major health difficulties, but depression is a major factor in his life.

“It was a case that was fought, and a case that was lost.”

Judge Maguire said he would consider all matters. He stated: “These are both, very obviously, very serious matters.

“I am conscious that many victims have been waiting a long time for this.”

A date for finalisation and sentencing was set for Friday, July 31.