Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 3972Indecent assault · Co. Cork

Ex-Scout leader Noel Sheehan appeals conviction for indecent assault of five boys

Noel Sheehan, 80, a former Scout leader from Co Cork, is appealing his conviction at the Court of Appeal for indecently assaulting five young boys between 1987 and 1990, arguing that a more serious woodland allegation against one victim should have been tried separately from the other four complainants.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court28 Jan
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
15 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatNoel Sheehan is an 80-year-old former Scout leader (irishtimes.com)
  • whatSheehan indecently assaulted five young boys (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe woodland incident was described as involving circumstances of cruelty (irishtimes.com)
  • whatAll complainants were male children who were part of a Scout troop with Sheehan as their leader (irishtimes.com)
  • whatAll incidents occurred at scouting events that involved sleepover elements (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe assaults took place at locations in Cork and Waterford (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe assaults occurred between 1987 and 1990 (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe woodland incident occurred outdoors in broad daylight (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThere were 18 counts on the indictment against Sheehan (irishtimes.com)
  • courtSheehan pleaded not guilty to the charges of indecent assault (irishtimes.com)
  • courtHe was found guilty in April 2024 on 16 counts of indecent assault (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe sentencing was by Judge Helen Boyle at Anglesea Street Courthouse in Cork (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe Court of Appeal reserved its decision to be given at a later date (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe appeal is being heard by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceHe was sentenced to 4½ years with the final six months suspended (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 28 Jan2026
    In courtirishtimes.com, follow-up
    Ex-Scout leader jailed for indecently assaulting boys claims he should have had two trials

    Reports on Sheehan's appeal against conviction at the Court of Appeal, where his barrister argued the woodland allegation involved 'circumstances of cruelty' warranting a separate trial. The court reserved its decision.

    convicted, Noel Sheehan, 80, male, named, irish (judged from name)Noel Sheehanvictim, malevictim, malevictim, malevictim, malevictim, male