PENTICTON, B.C. — Roy O’Donaghey, 60, has been convicted of similar crimes in the past, and was back in Penticton court for sentencing on his latest charges: two counts of exposing himself to minors. After a year-long court delay and a no-show at his scheduled sentencing in October, the victims’ families are relieved he’s finally being sentenced.
“I’m excited that it is finally over, there’s tears that my son can finally move on,” says the victim’s mother, who can’t be identified because of a publication ban.
The incidents happened in the summer of 2011, when O’Donaghey showed his genitals to two boys on two separate occasions. The victims were 11 at the time.
A psychiatric assessment reveals O’Donaghey believes he’s innocent.
“He’s not taking responsibility, has denied the offences, hasn’t expressed remorse and says the boys made the stories up,” says Crown counsel Catherine Crockett.
O’Donaghey’s lawyer, James Pennington, says that his clients has “limited intellectual functioning” and suffers from memory loss.
Pennington says those factors may attribute to O’donaghey’s refusal to accept responsibility.
The Keremeos man also told the judge that he didn’t realize today was his sentencing and he wasn’t ready.
“I was not prepared for this. I thought this would be a hearing, nobody told me this was the real thing. I don’t have the pills I need,” says O’Donaghey.
After receiving confirmation from the sheriffs that O’Donaghey will be able to receive his blood pressure medication once he arrives at the Kamloops jail, Judge Gregory Koturbash handed the sentence.
O’Donaghey has been given a nine-month jail term, three year’s probation and a 10-year order that he cannot contact any minors. He must also register to be a sex offender.
“Sir, I hope you get the treatment that you need,” says Judge Koturbash.
O’Donaghey has also been ordered to stay away from the young boys and their families.
“It’s a huge relief because now I don’t have to worry about him coming by my home. I have other children that need to stay safe and now I know that they can be,” says the victim’s mother.
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