predator Irishman sentenced to over 12 years for child sex abuse in USA could be deported

An Irishman who has been sentenced to 12 years and eight months after pleading guilty to several felonies and sexually abusing three children could be deported back to Ireland.

Timothy Patrick Prendeville, described as a ‘citizen of Ireland’ in court, was living in the Atascadero area of California when he was arrested.

He had previously worked as a teaching assistant at Templeton Middle School in the area.

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that Prendeville must also register as a sex offender for life.

The 56-year-old was convicted of five felony sex crimes against children including three violent crimes of committing a lewd act on a child under 14.

He was also convicted of one count of misdemeanour for indecent exposure.

The crimes were committed in the Atascadero area between October 2019 and December 2011.

It was heard two of the children were well known to Prendeville while a third had been invited into his home "as a guest of the family."

DA Dan Dow said of the sentencing: “Our hearts break for the survivors because of the abuse they had to endure. Any person who preys on vulnerable children must face strong consequences.

“Mr. Prendeville betrayed numerous children who were close to him and now stands convicted of three ‘strikes’ under California’s Three Strikes Law. After serving his prison term, pursuant to current Federal law, he should then be deported out of the United States.”

Prendeville pleaded no contest to five felonies and one misdemeanour back in October, 2021.

At the sentencing, two of the survivors and their mother spoke emotionally of the traumatic impact Prendeville’s crimes had on them.