A retired sergeant major in the Defence Forces sexually assaulted a young Army private on numerous occasions after the victim was summoned to his superior's office to talk about the trauma he suffered after discovering his sister's still-birth, a court has heard.
Patrick Devereux called the 18-year-old soldier to see him to talk about that incident and another where he was held up at syringe point at an ATM machine. The victim was seriously affected by both events. Devereux told him that he would make life in the Army very difficult for him unless he co-operated. He summoned the private to his office a number of times a week and fondle his genitalia.
The court was told that all the incidents happened over an eight-week period but Devereux, a single man, denied having homosexual tendencies. Devereux (60), Dún na Rí, Grey Abbey Road, Kildare, admitted six counts of sexual assault on the private on dates unknown between April 1st and October 31st, 1998. All the offences occurred in the McKee Barracks in Dublin.
Judge Frank O'Donnell said it was a very serious matter but because the accused could offer around €15,000 in compensation to his victim he needed time to reflect on his decision. He adjourned sentencing until April 9th and remanded Devereux on continuing bail.
"I have just had an opportunity to glance at the victim impact report and the effects to this young man are quite clear to me and I want to reflect on things," he said. "I don't normally subscribe to the view that someone can buy their way out of prison but the offer of compensation is another thing that I would like to think about."