A DEAF and dumb pensioner who indecently assaulted two seven-year-old boys never had the chance to learn acceptable social or sexual behaviour, Tullamore Circuit Court has heard.
Judge Tony Hunt said he was disturbed by the case of John Bracken (74), Railway View, Clara, Co Offaly, and adjourning sentencing yesterday, said he wanted to balance Bracken’s serious disabilities with the serious offences he committed.
In victim impact statements James Fitzgerald (32) and Donal O’Connor, both Clara natives, described how being assaulted by Bracken had ruined their lives.
They were both assaulted at Bracken’s home and other locations in the 1980s.
Waiving their right to anonymity, both spoke of taking alcohol and drugs to ease the pain they felt and spoke of failed relationships.
David Goldberg SC said Bracken was known all his life as “the dummy” and no one in his family learned sign language.
He lived in isolation.He said Bracken offered a profound apology to the victims.
Judge Hunt remanded him in custody until late April for sentencing.