A retired Garda sergeant, Michael Doherty, who sexually abused a neighbour when he was a schoolboy, was jailed for two years at Sligo Circuit Court yesterday.
The court was told last week that Doherty (68), from Ballina Road, Swinford, Co Mayo, indecently assaulted Mr Joseph Sheerin on various dates between 1974 and 1981.
The defendant faced four sample counts, two of indecent assault and two of buggery.
Judge Carl Moran imposed a sentence of two years on the buggery charge and one year on the indecent assault charge, to run concurrently.
Doherty was stationed in Aclare, Co Sligo, at the time. His victim, who later joined the Garda Siochana, also lived in the area as a child, but now lives at Kiltyclogher, Co Leitrim.
Garda Sheerin broke down in court last week as he related how the accused, whom he and his parents trusted, broke that trust.
He felt "shame and guilt" at what was happening. He did not want it, but he did not know how to stop the accused.
Doherty was described as a pillar in the local community and was actively associated with various organisations, including the St Vincent de Paul Society.
The judge said the accused had abused a young boy, and buggery was a heinous offence. However, the offences had been committed a long time ago, the accused had not re-offended and it was unlikely that he would re-offend in the future.