‘Humphries has lost his reputation, livelihood and most of his friends..’

Judge on abuser who groomed teen victim

have sympathy for him.” A sentence of two-and-a-half years for defilement of a child and a further two for exploitation of a child were imposed. Both will run concurrently.

The disgraced writer looked dishevelled and unshaven in a navy polo shirt and black trousers as he was led away by a prison guard.

The victim and her family were also in court to see the abuser sent down.

After the sentence was read out there was an audible sigh from the public gallery as Humphries was escorted out.

The writer, with an address at Corr Castle, Sutton, North Dublin, pleaded guilty to six sexual offences against a girl under the age of 17.

He admitted two counts of defilement of a child in Dublin between December 5, 2010, and February 19, 2011 and four of inviting a child to participate in a sexually explicit, obscene or indecent act between January 2010 and March 2011.

During the vile crimes, the victim’s clothing, except her bra, were removed and oral sex was performed between them.

Judge O’connor said: “I am not of the view she allowed herself to be manipulated, she was manipulated.”

She added that Humphries was aged 47 and the girl was some 30 years younger at the time of the incidents.

In an impact statement, which was read to the court on a previous date, the victim said she is sickened that a man three times her age had sexual contact with her.

It read: “For years it has ruined my life. I suffer permanent flashbacks and severe panic attacks.

“I have had to block out my childhood from the age of 14.”

Noeline Blackwell of the Rape Crisis Centre criticised the sentence handed down.

She said: “The judge seemed to recognise all of the mitigating circumstances for the accused.

“There seemed not to be the same level of recognition for the harm that was done to the victim.”