Victim impact statements were not read in court but Judge Stephen O’Driscoll said they showed the significant emotional, psychological, and physical impact on the girl and her family.
She was present in court, supported by family, and silently upset throughout the sentencing.
The eight-year end sentence imposed was the same as the starting point. Given Sheridan’s continued denial of the offending, there could be no discounts for mitigating factors such as guilty pleas or remorse, Judge O’Driscoll said.
A cultural report traversed Sheridan’s heavy use of drugs at the time of the offending but there wouldn’t be any discount for that either, the judge said. While Sheridan’s drug use might have been prevalent, it was not a mitigating factor “and I find it difficult to take account of any cultural report and give discount when you deny the offending took place”, the judge said.
There were no factors requiring upward adjustment to the starting point either. Sheridan, for instance, had no previous similar convictions.
The judge noted a pre-sentence report writer’s comment about Sheridan’s pattern of denial and shifting of blame for the offending.
“You continue to maintain your innocence as of course is your right, but I must sentence you on the basis of the verdict” the judge said.
