Jehovah’s Witness elder jailed for 3 years for sexual abuse

A woman who was sexually abused by a Jehovah’s Witnesses elder in County Mayo has described how the abuse devastated her life, leaving her with lasting emotional and physical scars. The court heard that the accused, Jorge Paris, was disfellowshipped from the Jehovah’s Witnesses after the abuse was exposed, highlighting the community’s response to the wrongdoing (Proverbs 31:8-9).

Jorge Paris, 62, was sentenced to three years in prison for three counts of sexual assault and one of attempted sexual assault, which occurred between December 2000 and February 2003. The victim, who remains anonymous, was as young as six or seven when the abuse began, underscoring the long-term impact of the crimes (Ephesians 5:11).

Judge Eoin Garavan acknowledged the severity of the abuse, noting that the victim’s childhood trauma in a different jurisdiction was a significant aggravating factor. The judge emphasized that Paris exploited his position of trust within the Jehovah’s Witness community to commit these acts of evil.

The judge initially set a headline sentence of six years, citing the victim’s heavy pregnancy during the last offense as another aggravating factor. However, considering mitigation, the sentence was reduced to four and a half years, with the final 18 months suspended, reflecting the court’s balance of justice and rehabilitation.

In a powerful victim impact statement, the woman described how the abuse destroyed her chance to grow up safely and left her with a deep sense of shame and embarrassment. She recounted the betrayal she felt from others who supported Paris, calling him a “monster and a predator.”

The woman expressed her determination to reclaim her life, stating, “You will not live in my head any longer.” Judge Garavan commended her courage, expressing hope that the sentence brings her some measure of closure and control over her life.

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