Megan O’Brien, 26, from Doncaster, has spoken publicly about a decade of sexual abuse she endured at the hands of her step‑grandfather, Paul Mundy, now 71.
The abuse began when she was seven, while she sat on his knee watching television. He would place his hand inside her pyjama bottoms in front of family members, a fact she says went unnoticed at the time.
She did not approach the police until she was 20, six years after the abuse first started. Her testimony contributed to a conviction that resulted in a 31‑year prison sentence for 24 counts of rape and sexual assault.
Seven of the convictions related directly to the abuse of Megan, with the remaining counts involving three other women.
According to her account, the abuse occurred at least twice a week and left a lasting psychological impact, including a visceral reaction whenever the television show “Coronation Street” is aired.
She described her step‑grandfather as calm and confident during the assaults, noting that his willingness to act openly in front of family highlighted the severity of his misconduct.
During the court proceedings, Megan explained that she initially believed his behavior was normal, especially as he offered her money to keep silent.
The monetary payments, often left on the coffee table as £20 notes, were intended to ensure her compliance and silence.
She recalled that the abuse was carried out while she sat on his lap, facing the family, with no conversation taking place as he placed his hands down her trousers.
Because she was very young, she did not recognize the wrongdoing and feared disrupting the only family she knew, describing the abuse as becoming as routine as a familial hug.
Although Mundy moved out when Megan was eight, he continued to visit most weekends, and the abuse escalated to more aggressive touching and forced contact when she was 11.
She recounted instances of him pulling down her shirt, fondling her breast, and attempting to remove her jeans, sometimes even ripping the zippers.
The trauma left her emotionally withdrawn and led to confrontations with teachers during her school years.
In September 2020, while studying at university, she disclosed the abuse to her mother, who supported her decision to involve law enforcement.
Initial police assessments cited insufficient evidence, but Megan persisted, prompting further investigation and the eventual involvement of additional victims.
The trial concluded on May 15, resulting in Mundy’s conviction and lengthy imprisonment.
Having waived her right to anonymity, Megan now urges other survivors to recognize they are not alone, emphasizing her ongoing healing and the support she receives from her current relationship.
