'Monster' jailed for sex assaults on grandchildren

A 67-year-old Co Monaghan farmer has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, following his conviction for sexual assaults on his grandchildren. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard the abuse came to light in late 2014 when one child disclosed to her mother that her grandfather had exposed her to explicit material before committing a sexual assault. Two further grandchildren subsequently reported similar offences during sleepovers at his home. The man initially denied the allegations and attempted to shift blame to another family member. Judge Patricia Ryan described the victim impact statements as harrowing, noting the offences represented a profound breach of trust within a family setting where the children should have been safe. She acknowledged his previously good character but imposed the custodial sentence reflecting the severity of the crimes and their lasting impact on the victims.