Courts / Limerick / Report
Victim went to gardai after abuser contacted her on Instagram
Summary
In November 2015 a 46‑year‑old Limerick man, who had molested a girl aged six to nine over three years, contacted her again on Instagram. The girl, now 16, screamed that he was back, prompting her parents to notify Gardaí. The man had pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of sexual assault between 2009 and 2012. At the Central Criminal Court he was convicted of six counts of sexual assault and two of sexual exploitation. Justice Tara Burns described the abuse as extremely serious, noting the man had gained the victim's trust through domestic help and teaching her to ride a bicycle. She imposed a seven‑year prison term for the most serious assault, concurrent six‑year and four‑year sentences for other assaults, and a two‑year sentence for exploitation. The judge praised the victim's courage and highlighted the lasting impact on her trust and innocence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Victim went to gardai after abuser contacted her on Instagram. Charges or matters: 19 counts of sexual assault of the child, all on dates between January 2009 and January 2012. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- June 2013 Other
- November 2015 Other
- January 2009 Incident
- January 2012 Incident
- 2018-11-28 Publication
Why: The judge said she did not take into account defence submissions that had been made about the man helping the mother in the home and helping the girl with homework because this behaviour had led to trust being given to him. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: 19 counts of sexual assault of the child, all on dates between January 2009 and January 2012 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; She imposed a prison sentence of seven years for the most serious of the sexual assaults. She also imposed concurrent sentences of six years and four years for other assaults and sentences of two years for the sexual exploitation.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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