Courts / Donegal / Report

11 years for father who repeatedly raped teen daughter

Date
2019-04-29
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Donegal
County
Donegal

Summary

Maurice Lafferty, 50, of Corcullen, Castlefin, Donegal, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court after pleading guilty to raping his daughter, Annie Lafferty, at their home between November 1, 2010, and June 30, 2011. The court heard that Lafferty, a father of six, committed the offences while his wife was away from the home four nights a week. Prosecution evidence detailed that Lafferty coerced his then-seventeen-year-old daughter, pinning her down and threatening her with the removal of her younger siblings if she reported the abuse. He allegedly raped her weekly during this period. Mr Justice Alex Owens described Lafferty as a violent and controlling man, noting that his attacks were coercive and depraved. The judge rejected Lafferty's apology as insincere and noted a probation report indicating he blamed intoxication and his daughter for the crimes. Lafferty was assessed as a moderate risk of re-offending. He was sentenced to eleven years' imprisonment. Additionally, the court ordered that he stay away from any activity involving children upon his release. In mitigation, defence counsel Anne Rowland SC cited Lafferty's heavy drinking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and financial difficulties regarding his home. The victim, now 25, waived her anonymity and stated that her father's actions left permanent scars.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 11 years for father who repeatedly raped teen daughter. Charges or matters: raping his daughter Annie Lafferty at his home on dates between November 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Annie Lafferty

Convicted Person

Charges: raping his daughter Annie Lafferty at his home on dates between November 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Credit: Collins) A Donegal father-of-six who repeatedly raped his teenage daughter has being jailed for eleven years.

Maurice Lafferty

Accused

Charges: raping his daughter Annie Lafferty at his home on dates between November 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Residence
Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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