2020-07-09
Judge commends courage of woman for coming forward about father's sex abuse
Stage: Sentence
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Ms Lydon McElwaine said her father had been meant to protect her but instead used her for his own sexual gratification. "The only person my father ever protected was himself." "The crime is not mine but I have been left with a cross to bear for the rest of my life," she told Judge Karen O'Connor, "child sexual abuse is a life sentence." Ms Lydon McElwaine extended her thanks to prosecuting garda Sergeant Gearoid O'Brien. Judge O' Connor adjourned sentencing to allow a probation report be prepared and remanded McElwaine in custody until October 8, 2020 for finalisation of sentence.; Judge O' Connor adjourned sentencing to allow a probation report be prepared and remanded McElwaine in custody until October 8, 2020 for finalisation of sentence.