The Sexual Violence Centre Cork has welcomed the jailing of a former scout leader who was found guilty of indecently assaulting a teenage boy in the 1980's.
Michael Noel Sheehan of Chimneyfields, Glenville was convicted of assaulting the then 13 year old boy between the 7th of January 1986 and the 30th of April 1987.
Judge Helen Boyle said Sheehan had breached the position of trust he had gained as a scout leader and jailed the 76 year old for two years with one year suspended.
Scouting Ireland have welcomed Sheehan's conviction and say they deeply regret the abuse of any child while engaged in scouting.
Speaking to RedFM News outside Cork Circuit Criminal Court, Mary Crilly from the Sexual Violence Centre Cork is encouraging anyone who has suffered historic abuse to come forward.
"I think sentencing in Ireland is very low, but I really do welcome this because it's another guilty verdict, it's another conviction, it's another perpetrator being named.
"I think that matters hugely to victims in that it vindicates and validates people who come forward after so many years, after 30 or 40 years, and really says to those people, please keep coming forward no matter how long it takes.
"We'd like more sentences, but any perpetrator being named really is a victory for survivors and for victims."
The Sexual Violence Centre Cork can be contacted on freephone 1800 496 496
