Former schoolteacher jailed over 132 sexual offences (opens original article in a new tab)

A former schoolteacher was jailed for 6.5 years after pleading guilty to 132 sexual offences against 19 children over 25 years, with victims describing long-term trauma and the court noting premeditated and predatory behavior.

• Patrick Sharkey, 83, was jailed for six and a half years for 132 sexual offences against 19 victims aged 7-16 between 1970-1995.
• Victims described being groomed and assaulted during trips, with some suffering long-term trauma, addiction, and mental health issues.
• Sharkey had a prior conviction in Northern Ireland and was sentenced to seven years with six months suspended, despite no genuine remorse shown.