A family of predators

Fermanagh village faced a 'tidal wave of abuse'

A village in County Fermanagh faced a "tidal wave" of sex abuse from four brothers, a judge has said.

He was sentencing John Michael McDermott, 60, of Moorlough Road, Donagh, for 35 charges of sexually abusing children over 30 years.

He was jailed for nine years and given three years probation. His most serious crime was the rape of a boy.

Two of his brothers - mentally unfit to stand trial - were given lifetime sexual offences prevention orders.

James, 61, and Owen Roe McDermott, 52, were banned from schools and playgrounds in the village and from having access to anyone aged under 16.

A fourth brother killed himself after the start of his trial last month.

Peter Paul McDermott, 62, was found hanged near his home.

How horrible. Their debased crimes spanned decades and destroyed the childhoods of both boys and girls in this Northern Irish village. They themselves apparently grew up in what was described as a family with 'a highly deviant culture of sexually abusing children'. Nothing can undo their horrific acts, but at least their offences have come to light and steps have been taken to protect the children of the village. Personally I think if the two brothers are mentally unfit to stand trial, they should be committed rather than just given prevention orders, though.