Judge lifts restrictions to allow man, 80, who abused five boys to be named

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, Co 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: “There is no basis in law for any restriction"

Judge Comerford agreed commenting “that is right” but stated that the complainants can’t be identified.

In the case, Mr Harmon -who turns 81 in May - has 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 33 to 38 during the period of the indecent assaults.

The counts of indecent assault took place at Cratloe in south east Clare, Holy Island on Lough Derg, Garryowen, Limerick and the Ennis Road, Limerick.

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".

He said that the court previously directed victim impact statements "and there are five complainants and that is in hand and will be completed”.

Mr Connolly said: "The sentencing hearing will take some time - it deals with historical nature between 1976 and the early 1980s. It will be somewhat involved.”

Judge Comerford has already ordered a psychologist’s report for the sentencing hearing.

Mr Connolly said that there is no familial link between the accused and the victims.

Judge Comerford adjourned the case to May for sentencing.

The allegations have been investigated by the Protective Services Unit attached to Henry Street garda station in Limerick since 2019.

As part of Mr Harmon's bail conditions, he is to have no contact with the witnesses directly or indirectly, surrender his passport, reside at a Clare address and sign on twice weekly at his local garda station.