A JUDGE has lifted reporting restrictions to allow an 80-year-old Shannon man who indecently assaulted five boys over a six-year period at locations in Limerick and Clare be named for the first time.
At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford lifted previously imposed reporting restrictions on the naming of Jim Harmon, of Pinewood, Shannon, County Clare, after counsel for the State, Lorcan Connolly BL, told the court that “there is no legal bar” to Mr Harmon being identified.
Mr Connolly said that “there is no basis in law for any restriction”.
Judge Comerford agreed, but stated that the complainants cannot be identified.
In the case, Mr Harmon – who turns 81 in May – pleaded guilty to 12 separate counts of indecent assault against the five boys from 1976 to 1981 at four locations in Limerick and Clare.
Mr Harmon was aged between 33 and 38 during the period between the indecent assaults.
The counts of indecent assault took place in Garryowen in Limerick City, the Ennis Road in Limerick City, Cratloe in south east Clare, Holy Island on Lough Derg.
Mr Harmon initially faced 26 counts when charged in the District Court and counsel for the State, Mr Connolly (instructed by State Solicitor Aisling Casey), has stated that the pleas are acceptable on a full facts basis.
Mr Connolly told Judge Comerford that “prosecution are anxious that it would proceed in early course” on account of the man’s age.
“The sentencing hearing will take some time – it deals with historical nature between 1976 and the early 1980s. It will be somewhat involved,” said Mr Connolly, who indicated that there is no familial link between the accused and the victims.
Judge Comerford has already ordered a psychologist’s report for the sentencing hearing.
The case has been adjourned to May for sentencing.
The allegations have been investigated by the Protective Services Unit attached to Henry Street Garda Station in Limerick since 2019.
