Courts / Ireland / Report
Child rape caused family division "that no time will ever heal", court hears
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a mother recounted the profound family rupture caused by her daughter's rape by her uncle over seven years. The victim, now 17, described how the abuse began with inappropriate touching at age seven and escalated to rape and anal rape, occurring in various family homes and a treehouse. The uncle, aged 25, pleaded guilty to three sexual assault and seven rape charges spanning 2007 to 2014. He admitted feeling guilt and contemplated suicide after each incident. The mother's statement highlighted the lasting emotional damage, noting the family's fractured relationships, especially with her grandmother. The uncle's parents supported him, while the court adjourned sentencing to December 16, with the defendant expressing a desire to be taken into custody immediately. The case underscored the enduring impact of the abuse on the victim and her family.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Child rape caused family division "that no time will ever heal", court hears. Charges or matters: three counts of sexual assault and seven counts of raping his niece between January 2007 and August 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 2007 Incident
- August 2014 Incident
- December 16 Adjournment
- 2016-11-29 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: three counts of sexual assault and seven counts of raping his niece between January 2007 and August 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Ms Gearty said her client wished to be taken into custody immediately to start whatever sentence was handed down.; Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy adjourned the matter for sentencing on December 16.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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