2017-01-17 · Cork
Father-of-nine who raped teenage daughter is jailed for nine years
Patrick O'Driscoll, 42, of Codrum, Macroom, was found guilty by a jury of 61 counts of raping his eldest daughter, Ellen O'Driscoll, aged 16 to 17, between 2008 and 2009. He denied the charges. In the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Paul Butler sentenced him to ten years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended on conditions including no contact with his daughter. The judge noted O'Driscoll's otherwise "blameless life" and his role in rearing the rest of his family. Ellen O'Driscoll, 24, had previously waived anonymity and stated in a victim impact statement that she feels she is serving a life sentence, having been isolated from her family and community after the abuse. The trial highlighted the weekly nature of the assaults and the family's support for O'Driscoll despite the conviction. The sentencing took place after a week‑long trial in November.