Courts / Dublin / Report
Jail for man who sexually abused stepdaughter
Summary
John Doherty, aged 55, was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment for sexually assaulting his stepdaughter between January 1996 and April 1998 when she was 12 and 13. The court heard that Doherty pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault and that the case had been delayed for years due to police incompetence. The victim, now 35, waived anonymity and described the abuse as a "huge breach of trust" that ruined her childhood, education and family relationships. She detailed repeated sexual advances, forced contact and the impact on her mental health. Doherty had undertaken therapy and expressed remorse, but the judge noted the seriousness of the offence. He was registered as a sex offender following the conviction. The sentence reflected the maximum penalty of five years at the time of the offence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for man who sexually abused stepdaughter. 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
- 2018-02-09 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: By Jessica Magee and Isabel Hayes A man who sexually assaulted his stepdaughter 20 years ago in a "huge breach of trust" has been jailed for 15 months.
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request