Courts / Dublin / Report
Abuse led to serious drug addiction, victim tells court
Summary
In a sentencing hearing at the Central Criminal Court, a 36‑year‑old man read a victim impact statement about the sexual abuse he endured as a child, which he said led to a serious heroin addiction, a dangerous crack habit and four suicide attempts. He described how the abuse began the day before he started secondary school, leaving him confused, doubting his sexuality and blaming himself for years. He said he eventually overcame his drug addiction but the pain returned, and his last suicide attempt in 2014 was averted by his family and wife. He disclosed the abuse in 2011, began counselling soon after, and continues weekly sessions. He concluded that the abuse caused lasting damage but he hopes to move on. The statement was read during the sentencing of Joseph Anderson, who was jailed for six years for raping and molesting the boy between 1992 and 1995. Joseph Anderson pleaded not guilty and was convicted.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Abuse led to serious drug addiction, victim tells court. Charges or matters: 12 counts of sexual assault and one count of oral rape on dates between August 1992 and May 1995. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- August 1992 Incident
- May 1995 Incident
- February 2015 Adjournment
- 2016-07-29 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: 12 counts of sexual assault and one count of oral rape on dates between August 1992 and May 1995 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Joseph Anderson (69) who was jailed for six years by Mr Justice Paul Butler at the Central Criminal Court. He was sentenced to six years in prison which was backdated to when the man was first remanded in custody in February 2015.; He was sentenced to six years in prison which was backdated to when the man was first remanded in custody in February 2015.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Mount Street
- Dublin
Topics
Drugs Sexual Offences Stage Sentence
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