Paedophile coach Bill Kenneally who assaulted 10 boys over two decades dies in prison

Bill Kenneally, a paedophile basketball coach, has died while serving his jail sentence in prison after he evil crimes involving 10 boys saw him called one of Ireland’s worst sex predators

Convicted paedophile Bill Kenneally who abused 10 boys over two decades has died in prison aged 75.

Kenneally used his position as a basketball coach to abuse teenagers in Waterford in the 70s and 80s. He was dubbed was one of Ireland’s worst sex predators when his vile crimes came to light.

He was serving a 20-year jail term at Midlands Prison after pleading guilty to 10 sample counts of indecently assaulting 10 boys and died on Thursday (June 18).

Kenneally had reportedly been under palliative care in recent weeks and had had part of a leg amputated, according to The Journal.

The notorious predator had already been in prison for over 10 years. He earliest he could have been released from jail was 2030.

Last week, a report was published that found knowledge of his activities became known in Waterford to two senior Garda officers as well as a retired politician and senior clergyman in the late 1980s.

The report identified “a missed opportunity” in 1985 after a 14-year-old boy reported he had been sexually assaulted by Kenneally to the garda. However, he was dismissed and was told he was too young to give a statement.

However, Kenneally was not brought to justice prior to a formal complaint in December 2012.

On Tuesday, some of his victims met with Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan and afterwards they said he committed to a full state apology, which they hope will be issued in the coming weeks.

Mr O’Callaghan apologised to the victims as he called the investigation by gardaí “wholly inadequate”.

At the time, a spokesperson for the minister previously said: “At this meeting, Minister O’Callaghan apologised to the victims for the wholly inadequate investigation by An Garda Síochána in 1987 and for the clear dereliction of duty by Chief Superintendent Cashman and Acting Superintendent Hayes.

“The minister confirmed that following his recent discussions with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, a Memorandum to Government will go to Cabinet shortly which will commence the formal process of offering Bill Kenneally’s victims a full and formal apology by the State that they rightly deserve.

“It is the minister’s intention to bring the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation to Dáil Éireann for debate as a priority.

“The minister also told the victims that he had accepted the recommendation of Judge Michael White to refer to the Law Reform Commission for assessment on whether misconduct in public office should be established as a separate statutory offence”

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