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Michael King, 55, is reported to have shamelessly returned to his home town.
13:14, Tue, Jun 16, 2026 Updated: 13:16, Tue, Jun 16, 2026
Michael King abused his family’s teenage babysitter (Image: Supplied)
A paedophile who attacked his family's teenage babysitter has returned to his hometown streets, it has been reported. Former car salesman Michael King, 55, from Boyle, in County Roscommon, Ireland, has been seen back in the town after he was imprisoned for a "horrific" string of sexual assaults against his wife's goddaughter Tara Kelly.
Ms Kelly, who waived her right to anonymity, was just 16 when she was preyed on by King in 2004 and 2005.
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In May 2023 and Irish court sentenced King to six and half years behind bars, with the final year suspended.
The age of consent in the Republic of Ireland is 17 years old.
Boyle in County Roscommon, Ireland (Image: Google)
Following his conviction, Ms Kelly said: “I want other women with similar stories to come forward. I want them to know it’s not their fault. These men will not be stopped otherwise.”
King is one of 11 sex offenders released this month
The Irish Sun reports King, who pleaded guilty to 12 charges in court, has been seen on the streets of his hometown on a number of occasions since his release from prison.
The publication said King was previously classed as having “no fixed abode” but he has subsequently notified local police, the gardai, with proof an address where he was staying.
Boyle in County Roscommon, Ireland (Image: Google)
One local told the newspaper: “He is walking about without a care in the world and there is no remorse for that poor girl.
“Tara deserves tremendous credit for coming forward and encouraging other victims to speak out.
“King has no shame by the fact he has returned to Roscommon and people are horrified to see him back in the community. He caused so much damage but only spent a few years in prison.”
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