Latest: Former basketball coach who sexually abused 10 boys launches appeal against his prison sentence
A former basketball coach, who sexually abused boys in the 1980s, has launched an appeal against his prison sentence.
67-year-old Bill Kenneally of Summerville Avenue in Waterford was jailed for 14 years in 2016.
Bill Kenneally pleaded guilty to ten sample counts of indecently assaulting 10 boys in Waterford in the 1980s.
The former basketball coach befriended young boys, gave them gifts but then exploited them for his own sexual gratification.
Today he launched an appeal against his 14 year and 2 month prison sentence with his barrister arguing the Judge did not incorporate a psychological disorder from the accused’s childhood into the sentencing.
He said this led to Kenneally’s addiction and when he was confronted by a superintendent, he got treatment and did not offend for 30 years.
The barrister said this was not an excuse but said fair procedure could not be formed without bringing that to the mix.
He added that Kenneally was prepared to confess in 1987 and no real credit was given to that.
One of the Judges noted if the accused had have come clean 30 years ago - he would have given an amount of closure to the individuals involved.
The appeal continues.
A former basketball coach convicted of sexually abusing teenage boys in the 1980s is to appeal the length of his sentence today.
Bill Kenneally - from Summerville Avenue in Waterford City - pleaded guilty to 10 sample counts of indecently assaulting 10 boys in Waterford in the 1980s.
The 67-year-old was jailed for 14 years at Waterford Circuit Criminal Court.
Kenneally’s lawyers have lodged an appeal against the length of that sentence, which is due to be heard in Dublin this morning.
