Irish Taxi Forum
Public Area => Taxi Talk => Topic started by: watty on July 28, 2026, 04:40:07 pm
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Retired postal officer worker jailed for the sexual abuse of a girl four years ago (https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/retired-postal-officer-worker-jailed-for-the-sexual-abuse-of-a-girl-four-years-ago-1932843.html)
A retired postal worker has been jailed for eight years for the sexual abuse of a girl four decades ago. Tom Hassett (72), of Auburn Heights, Athlone, Co Westmeath, was convicted following a trial last February of two counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault of the girl on dates between 1981 and 1982. Hassett has no previous convictions. Hassett, who also worked in a local taxi business, was in his late 20s when he abused the girl, who was aged 12 when the offending began.
... Justice Keane set a headline sentence of 12 years for the rapes. He noted no credit was available to Hassett from a guilty plea, that he did not accept the jury verdicts, had shown no remorse and had not embarked on any rehabilitation. The judge considered in mitigation Hassett’s background including his work history in the post office where he ultimately held the position of branch manager and that he had assisted his wife in the family taxi business. He noted he is a married man with a family.
... Vincent Heneghan SC, defending, said Hassett maintains his innocence. Counsel said Hassett was a man who had worked hard all his life and had a family. He said he had been promoted within the Post Office Athlone and has assisted his wife in her family taxi business. He said his wife was present in court. He said Hassett had retired on health grounds.
He's 72, facing an 8 year headline jail sentence, and will probably die in prison. Do you admit the crime with one eye on 'upstairs'? Or keep your mouth shut denying the poor girl/woman her peace?
If it was me, I think I'd admit it. Then I could die knowing I only fukked up once, and not the second time in denying my guilt?