Abuse priest jailed for five years

on 02/07/2012 13:37:40

A 73-year-old former priest has been jailed for five years for the attempted rape of a seven-year-old girl more than 30 years ago.

John Calnan, of The Presbytery, 35 Paul Street, Cork, also pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of her brother in west Cork.

The Central Criminal Court heard the offending took place between 1975 and 1980.

Shortly after the children's mother notified a member of the clergy, Calnan was moved to another parish.

He was sentenced to eight years with three suspended and is to undergo 18 months' post release supervision.