Courts / Waterford / Report
Mother who failed to protect son from "extreme sexual violence" by father is jailed
Summary
A mother was sentenced to 18 months in prison for failing to protect her six‑year‑old son from extreme sexual violence by his father. The father, convicted of raping the child and locking him in a wooden box, received a 14‑year sentence. The mother was convicted of a single count of child cruelty. Judge Robert Eagar noted she was aware of the abuse but did not alert authorities or protect the child. She has a history of sexual abuse and a mild to significant intellectual disability. She remains in contact with the father and prison staff worry she is being manipulated. The judge imposed a three‑year sentence with 18 months suspended, requiring no contact with the father during that period. The mother did not react to the sentence. The case highlights the mother's failure to act despite knowledge of the abuse. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty and was acquitted.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Mother who failed to protect son from "extreme sexual violence" by father is jailed. Charges or matters: child cruelty but found not guilty of sex assault relating to allegations she had sex or simulated sex with her child, Both parents had pleaded not guilty to the offences which occurred between 2009 and 2011. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Acquitted
When:
- 2009 and 2011 Incident
- 2016-10-17 Publication
Why: " Ms Walley said she was being "deliberately circumspect about the wider allegations" because the accused was acquitted of the sexual abuse allegations. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: child cruelty but found not guilty of sex assault relating to allegations she had sex or simulated sex with her child, Both parents had pleaded not guilty to the offences which occurred between 2009 and 2011 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Acquitted
Outcome: Acquitted; A mother who failed to protect her six year old son from "extreme sexual violence" by his father has been jailed for 18 months. The judge imposed a three year sentence with the final 18 months suspended on several conditions including that she have no contact with her partner for that period.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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