The Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland has dismissed an appeal by Thomas McKenna against a 16-year extended custodial sentence for a catalogue of sexual offences against 23 victims over three decades.

McKenna, a former GAA coach at Crossmaglen Rangers, pleaded guilty to 162 counts of sexual abuse involving 23 individuals between 1989 and 2019. The offences included indecent assault, sexual assault, sexual assault by penetration, gross indecency and voyeurism. The most serious offence carried a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The sentencing judge at first instance imposed a custody and licence period of eight years each, plus a seven-year extended licence. McKenna sought leave to appeal on two grounds: that the starting point of 20 years was too high, and that the seven-year extended licence was excessive and unexplained.

Delivering the court's ex-tempore judgment, Lady Chief Justice Keegan said the judge had been entitled to describe the offending as "unprecedented" given its scale and duration. She noted that McKenna had manipulated victims by befriending them and abusing his position of trust within the community and sporting club.

On the first ground, the court found the 20-year starting point was within the appropriate range for high-level offending including penetrative offences against a high number of victims over 30 years. The court reiterated that sentencing is not a rigid mathematical exercise and sentencers should have flexibility to reach an overall sentence that fits the offending.

On the second ground, the court acknowledged the judge had provided sparse reasoning for the seven-year extended licence but said it was self-evident the period would be at the higher end given the risk assessment. The probation assessment indicated McKenna presented a high likelihood of reoffending and a high to medium need for supervision. The court concluded the judge's choice was not manifestly excessive.

The court commended the victims who came forward and the supportive community spirit in Crossmaglen. It also noted the role of the Child Protection Manager with Ulster GAA in assisting victims.

Permission to appeal was granted on the extended licence ground but the appeal was dismissed on both grounds.