A man from Essex County, aged 48, has been sentenced to six years in prison for committing multiple sexual offenses against three young girls whom he had hired as babysitters for his own children. Allen Corcoran was convicted on eight charges, including sexual assault, sexual interference, indecent exposure, and soliciting sexual contact. The victims, aged between 12 and 15, had worked as babysitters in Corcoran’s home several years ago.
During the sentencing, some of the victims and their family members were present in the courtroom to witness Corcoran being taken into custody. A woman in the courtroom expressed her disdain, saying, “I hope you rot in hell,” directed at Corcoran.
Throughout the trial, Corcoran maintained his innocence, claiming that nothing inappropriate had occurred with the girls. However, a pre-sentence report revealed that he told his probation officer he could not recall engaging in any of the offenses. Despite his denial, Justice Mario Carroccia discredited Corcoran’s testimony, siding with the victims’ accounts. Carroccia emphasized that Corcoran had abused his position of trust and authority over the vulnerable girls.
Incidents detailed in court included Corcoran touching a babysitter’s breasts while she was changing a diaper, exposing himself to the girls on multiple occasions, and making lewd advances towards them. The judge highlighted the lasting trauma experienced by one of the victims, who continues to suffer from anxiety, depression, and nightmares related to the abuse.
The six-year sentence handed down to Corcoran fell short of the Crown’s request for a longer incarceration period. Additionally, he has been prohibited from contacting his victims while in prison and from holding any position of authority involving minors for five years following his release.