Ireland Donegal man jailed for sexually abusing step-granddaughter
William 'Bill' Quinn, a Donegal man, was charged with 16 offences of sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a child against his step-granddaughter, who was between nine and 10 when the incidents occurred. The incidents took place when the girl came home from school, and were reported to gardaí in 2020 after she told her mother. Quinn pleaded guilty to three sample charges, two of sexual assault and one of child exploitation, and the court heard he had no previous criminal history. As reported on 24 May 2026, he was sentenced at Letterkenny Circuit Court to five years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended, and must be supervised by the Probation Service for a year after his release.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced24 May
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- The offences were sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a child against the man's step-granddaughter.
- Where
- The case was heard at Letterkenny Circuit Court in County Donegal.
- When
- The victim was between nine and 10 years old when the incidents occurred.
- The incidents occurred when the girl would come home from school.
- Investigation
- The matter was reported to gardaí in 2020 after the girl told her mother.
- Charges
- Quinn was charged with 16 offences: two of sexual exploitation and 14 of sexual assault.
- Quinn pleaded guilty to three sample charges, two of sexual assault and one of child exploitation.
- In court
- Judge Aylmer placed the offending in the mid-range with a starting point of six years.
- Quinn had no previous criminal history and made a late plea that spared the complainant a trial.
- The Probation Service assessed Quinn as being at a moderate risk of reoffending.
- Sentence
- Quinn was sentenced to five years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended.
- Quinn must be supervised by the Probation Service for a year after his release.
- Other details
- Quinn warned the girl to keep the secret and gave her money and presents for staying silent.
11 statements extracted from the articles
- whenThe victim was between nine and 10 years old when the incidents occurred. (donegallive.ie)
- whenThe incidents occurred when the girl would come home from school. (donegallive.ie)
- investigationThe matter was reported to gardaí in 2020 after the girl told her mother. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeQuinn was charged with 16 offences: two of sexual exploitation and 14 of sexual assault. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeQuinn pleaded guilty to three sample charges, two of sexual assault and one of child exploitation. (donegallive.ie)
- courtJudge Aylmer said he placed the offending in the mid-range with a starting point of six years. (donegallive.ie)
- courtQuinn had no previous criminal history and made a late plea that spared the complainant a trial. (donegallive.ie)
- courtQuinn was assessed by the Probation Service as being at a moderate risk of reoffending. (donegallive.ie)
- sentenceQuinn was sentenced to five years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended. (donegallive.ie)
- sentenceQuinn must be supervised by the Probation Service for a year after his release. (donegallive.ie)
- otherQuinn warned the girl to keep the secret and gave her money and presents for staying silent. (donegallive.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 24 May2026Jail for Donegal man who sexually abused girl (9) while cross-dressing
Reports the sentencing of William ‘Bill’ Quinn at Letterkenny Circuit Court, the guilty pleas to three sample charges, the judge's remarks and the Probation Service supervision terms.
convicted, William 'Bill' Quinn, 65, male, named, irish (judged from name)William 'Bill' Quinnvictim, between nine and 10 at the time of the incidents, female