A convicted child abuser who evaded justice for nearly four decades has been sentenced to six years in prison after victims courageously came forward to recount the years of trauma inflicted by his actions. In delivering the sentence, Judge Colin Daly told the victims: “There is only one person to blame” squarely placing responsibility on the offender, not those who suffered.

Eddie Lillis, 63, a former member of the Irish Defence Forces, was convicted at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court for the systematic sexual abuse of two young girls in the 1980s. The abuse, which began when the victims were just nine and ten years old, continued for years in locations across Dublin and Limerick.

Predator on the Run

Lillis managed to avoid accountability for decades. After initial accusations surfaced, he fled the jurisdiction and lived as a fugitive abroad. He was eventually tracked down, extradited, and brought to justice in Ireland.

The court heard harrowing victim impact statements from the survivors, who detailed years of emotional distress, mistrust, and mental health struggles caused by the abuse.

One of the victims described how the abuse shattered her childhood and left her with long-lasting trauma. “My childhood was stolen from me,” she told the court. “It’s something I can never get back.”

Judge Daly was clear in his message. He praised the women for their bravery and fortitude in coming forward. “There is only one person responsible for this—Eddie Lillis,” he said, firmly rejecting any notion of shared responsibility.

Abuse of Trust

Lillis was found to have used his status in the Defence Forces to gain the trust of families and embed himself within communities. This allowed him proximity to his victims, whom he groomed and manipulated over an extended period.

“The breach of trust involved in this case is serious,” Judge Daly noted, adding that Lillis’s position gave him undeserved credibility and access.

Such abuses of power are particularly egregious, as they undermine confidence in institutions like the military. The Defence Forces, while not implicated institutionally in this case, have previously emphasized their zero-tolerance approach to misconduct and abuse.

A Message to Survivors

The sentencing also highlighted the broader societal shift in how sexual abuse survivors are treated in the justice system. Judge Daly’s comments were seen as a welcome affirmation that the shame of abuse lies with the perpetrator not the victims.

Advocacy groups welcomed the tone and outcome of the case, noting that strong judicial messaging can help break down barriers that prevent survivors from speaking out.

“No survivor should carry guilt,” said a spokesperson from One in Four, an Irish charity supporting adult survivors of child sexual abuse. “This judgment sets a clear precedent that offenders will be held accountable no matter how long ago the crime occurred.”

Continued Support

The victims in this case received support through state-funded services including the Crime Victims Helpline and the National Counselling Service, both accessible via the HSE (Health Service Executive). Survivors of abuse in Ireland are also encouraged to contact the Tusla Child and Family Agency or Gardaí to report incidents or seek support.

• Crime Victims Helpline – 116 006
• Tusla Child Protection Services

Justice, Delayed but Delivered

While Lillis’s conviction may not erase the pain of the past, it marks a decisive step toward justice for the victims and a warning to those who believe they can escape accountability.

Final Thought

The conviction of Eddie Lillis underscores a powerful truth: time does not absolve guilt, and justice, however delayed, remains vital for healing. In placing blame solely where it belongs—on the perpetrator—Judge Daly reaffirmed the justice system’s evolving stance toward survivors. His words offer not only closure for the victims, but also hope and encouragement to others still waiting in silence.

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