Man faces sentence for indecent assault on boy

A 50-year-old Mervue native faces sentence next May for indecently assaulting a boy over a thirteen-month period during the 1980s in his own home and at a local gym.

Anthony Spellman, formerly of McHugh Avenue, Mervue, who now resides in Cheshire, England, pleaded guilty moments before his trial was due to begin before a jury at Galway Circuit Criminal Court to four sample counts of indecently assaulting a boy at McHugh Avenue and also at Misco’s Gym, Glenrock Business Park, Ballybane, on dates unknown between January 1, 1985 and January 31, 1986.

Prosecuting barrister, Conor Fahy said the plea to the above four charges was acceptable to the State on the basis that facts in a further thirteen similar charges were admitted.

Garda Evelyn Barrett, who investigated the matter, told the court she had no objection to Spellman getting bail as he had no previous convictions, resided in the UK, and had co-operated in the Garda investigation.

Mr Bernard Madden SC, defending, asked for sentence to be adjourned for a lengthy period so that he could prepare a plea in mitigation.

He also asked for a probation report on his client to be prepared in this jurisdiction.

Mr Fahy said he had no objection to that.

Judge Rory McCabe remanded Spellman on bail to appear back before his court again on May 25 next for sentence.  He directed the preparation of a victim impact statement and a probation report on the accused for that date.