LOUGHREA MAN TO BE SENTENCED ON THURSDAY FOR VIOLENT SEXUAL ASSAULT

Date Published: 25-Jun-2012

A nurse who was violently sexually assaulted by Loughrea man Brian Maher has told that a court she has become a “ghost” of her former self.

The woman was giving evidence in the Central Criminal Court at the sentence hearing of 25 year old Brian Maher of Clostoken, Loughrea.

Brian Maher had pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault and assault causing harm to the woman, in Bohermore, Galway City, on October 16, 2010.

In her victim impact statement, the woman – who is now aged 38 – said it was “impossible to completely articulate” the impact Maher's actions have had on her and that she has suffered “physically and emotionally”.

She said that he had disregarded her “liberty, well-being, life and human rights” and she was now a “ghost” of her former self as a result of what she described as a “savage” assault.

She said that any sentence handed down “will never return me to the happy independent” woman she once was.

Defence counsel Brendan Grehan said his client is deeply apologetic for the hurt and distress he caused to his victim and read out an apology on his behalf to the court.

Brian Maher is the son of Fine Gael cllr Michael Mogie Maher and Mr Grehan referenced this in court saying the accused, who has no previous convictions, comes from a family “which has some legacy of public service and community activism”.

He said the accused is willing to stay away from the victim and said he has undertaken a range of courses during his time in custody including a computer and addiction course.

Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy remanded him in custody until sentencing this Thursday.