A guilt ridden 48-year old sex offender has told the woman he sexually abused over a four-year period that he hopes she gets justice for what he did.
In a letter read out at Ennis Circuit Court, native of Barefield, Ennis, Co Clare, Johnny Galvin (48) has told the woman: “I cannot undo the hurt you have suffered as a result of my abuse of you.”
He added: “I understand completely having to go through this legal process must be equally painful but I honestly hope you find justice through it.”
Garda Mary Fahy said that the complainant in the case wanted Mr Galvin with an address of Ballinagaddy, Ennistymon, Co Clare to be identified knowing that it may identify her.
Mr Galvin sexually abused the female when she was aged between 12 and 16 years of age.
Mr Galvin first confessed to the sexual abuse when he showed up at Ennis Garda Station in early October 2017 before any complaint was made against him.
Counsel for Mr Galvin, Michael Collins SC said such was Mr Galvin’s distress on that date, he was admitted to psychiatric care and remained under psychiatric care for three weeks though he has no psychiatric disorder.
When arraigned on the charges in October 2018, Mr Galvin cried as he repeated the word ‘guilty’ 23 times in response to the counts of sex assault from September 1st 2006 to June 30th 2010.
Mr Galvin – who has a grown up son from a previous relationship and had a full time with a company in Ennistymon – was then remanded on bail pending sentence but voluntarily surrendered his bail later that month to go into custody and commence his prison term.
Mr Collins said: “This is a very sad case and has devastated a number of families and a number of lives.”
Mr Collins said that Mr Galvin has done everything humanly possible to minimise the stress and distress to the complainant and is only too willing to pay the price to society.
Mr Collins said that Mr Galvin commends the courage and the fortitude of the complainant and hopes that she can rebuild her life.
Mr Collins pointed out that there are a number of unusual features of atonement in the case.
He said: “The remorse and atonement is supported and substantiated by admissions and co-operation throughout the investigation process.”
Garda Fahy said that Mr Galvin’s first statement to Gardai didn’t show the full extent of his sexual abuse but when re-interviewed by Gardai, Mr Galvin said that whatever the complainant told Gardai, it is true.
In her victim impact statement, the woman – now aged 24 – said her anger has been out of control because of the abuse stating that she has broken her wrist three times including one time punching a wall.
The woman said that the abuse has resulted in excessive drinking and that she has suffered from breakdowns and panic attacks.
She said: “His actions have not only hurt me for years – they have devastated my family as well.”
She later added: “Everyday, I am going to feel like the girl who let a man who she loved and trusted take advantage of her. Every day, I am going to feel the pain, embarrassment and confusion as to why he did it and why I didn’t stop it when I had the chance.”
Judge Gerald Keys said he would reserve judgement and remanded Mr Galvin in custody for sentence.
