Courts / Dublin / Report

Man jailed for sexually abusing cousin over 40 years ago

Summary

A 62‑year‑old man was jailed for 18 months for indecent assault on his younger cousin between January 1978 and December 1980. He pleaded guilty to four charges and had no prior convictions. The victim, now 52, had first complained to Gardaí in December 2018 while visiting her family in Ireland. She had waited until the deaths of her mother and aunt before reporting the abuse, citing kindness to them. The court noted the unusual admission of guilt and the victim's extreme emotional suffering. Judge Melanie Greally imposed consecutive sentences totalling three years, then suspended the final 18 months, citing the man's guilty pleas, lack of convictions, remorse, age, time elapsed, employment and a psychological report. The case highlighted the long‑term impact on the victim, including alcohol difficulties and psychiatric help. The man remains a caretaker in the family home.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man jailed for sexually abusing cousin over 40 years ago. Charges or matters: four sample charges of indecent assault on dates between January 1978 and December 1980. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• January 1978 Incident
• December 1980 Incident
• Christmas 2018 Incident
• 2020-02-18 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Sexual Offences Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report