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Woman suffered "very sick and wrong" childhood at hands of abusive Stepfather
Summary
John Doherty, 55, of Stillorgan, Dublin, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexually assaulting his step‑daughter between January 1996 and April 1998 when she was 12 and 13. The victim, now 39, gave a victim impact statement describing the abuse as having ruined her childhood, family and education, and said she would never again call him "Dad." She said the abuse led to a breakdown of her relationship with her mother, forced her out of the house, and caused her to leave school in the fifth year. She also described drinking alcohol with Doherty from about age 10, watching adult films with him, and being touched inappropriately on several occasions. Doherty has no prior convictions, has taken responsibility for his actions, and is on the Sex Offenders' Register. The court heard that the original Garda handling the case had gone on sick leave, retired and died, and that the case was not reassigned until recent years.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman suffered "very sick and wrong" childhood at hands of abusive Stepfather. Charges or matters: two counts of sexually assaulting his step-daughter on dates between January 1996 and April 1998 at their home in Stillorgan, when she was aged 12 and 13. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 1996 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 1998 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2018-02-08 Publication
Why: " and he said he had been just rubbing her belly because she was sick. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: two counts of sexually assaulting his step-daughter on dates between January 1996 and April 1998 at their home in Stillorgan, when she was aged 12 and 13 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: John Doherty (55) of Patrician Villas, Stillorgan, Dublin, is due to be sentenced tomorrow Dublin at Circuit Criminal Court.
Places mentioned
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