Former teacher told he ‘might die in prison’ at sentencing for child sex abuse (opens original article in a new tab)

A former teacher who abused 19 boys over 25 years was sentenced to 6½ years in prison, with the judge noting the severe nature of the crimes and the victims' young ages.

• Patrick Sharkey, 83, was jailed for 6½ years for sexually abusing 19 boys in Donegal over 25 years.
• Judge John Aylmer described the abuse as 'very invasive' and 'predatory', noting the victims were aged 7-16.
• Sharkey pleaded guilty to 132 charges, with one victim facing 59 charges, and the court acknowledged his limited cooperation.