Courts / Cork / Report
Girl (12) tells court she wants her abuser named
Summary
A 12‑year‑old girl told the court she wants her cousin, a 22‑year‑old man, to be named in the case because she believes he is in the wrong. Prosecutor Alice Fawsitt informed the judge that the DPP advised that naming him would not be in the child's best interest, citing potential complications and the small community context. The man pleaded guilty to six charges, including rape, oral rape, anal rape and sexual assault, committed between 2011 and 2016. He was remanded in custody and a substantial custodial element was anticipated. The judge acknowledged the girl's anger and courage but declined to name the accused, citing a duty to protect the injured party's identity. The mother delivered a victim impact statement describing the abuse, its effects on the family, and her daughter's ongoing trauma. The defendant's defence highlighted remorse and a willingness to engage in treatment. The case remains pending sentencing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Girl (12) tells court she wants her abuser named. Charges or matters: six charges including rape, oral rape, anal rape and sexual assault on dates between November 1, 2011 and June 26, 2016, in his Co Cork home. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 1, 2011 Incident
- June 26, 2016 Incident
- June 21 Adjournment
- June 2016 Incident
- 2019-06-04 Publication
Why: A 12-year-old girl has expressed a wish to have her cousin, who raped and sexually abused her, identified in the reporting of the case because she wants people to know that "he is in the wrong". CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: six charges including rape, oral rape, anal rape and sexual assault on dates between November 1, 2011 and June 26, 2016, in his Co Cork home (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He said there would be "a substantial custodial element to the sentence." Addressing the child's wishes to have the man named, Mr Justice White said he appreciated the girl was angry.; Mr Justice Michael White revoked the man's bail and remanded him in custody before he adjourned sentencing to June 21, next.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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