Finding Strength: Speaking Out and Moving Forward
The Big Story
Monday, 12 May 2025 - 13 minutes
Two survivors of sexual assault say their feelings of shame, anger and loneliness have given way to happiness and pride after their attacker was jailed.
61-year-old Paul Kelleher of Esker Gate, Mountmellick, in Laois was convicted of three counts of sexual assault following trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court earlier this year.
His offending took place at Newfaze Ink in Portlaoise on dates between August and December 2015 and in January 2018.
Two women were receiving piercings when the assaults took place, while a third - who was 14 at the time - was having a piercing cleaned.
Karen Kelly says the best thing she ever did was report what happened to her.
They have both been speaking with Will Faulkner on Midlands Today.
If you are impacted by this story you can call the Athlone Midlands Rape Crisis Centre on Freephone 1800 306 600.
