Courts / Dublin / Report

Uncle defiled niece while 'effectively acting as parent'

Date
2020-10-12

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Garristown

County
Dublin

Summary

Patrick Cawley, aged 49, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment for sexually abusing his niece, Winnie McDonagh, who was 23 at the time of sentencing. McDonagh was taken into Cawley's home when she was four after her mother's death and was abused from the age of 15. Cawley pleaded guilty to two counts of defilement of a child for acts that occurred between 23 November 2011 and 22 November 2014. The court heard that Cawley, while acting as her de facto parent, forced sexual acts on McDonagh on several occasions, including in a car, a hotel and while she was shopping. He threatened her with death if she disclosed the abuse. The judge noted his guilty plea, remorse and family background as mitigating factors, but emphasised the persistent nature of the abuse and the vulnerability of the victim. The sentence was imposed with no mention of a suspended portion or effective custody.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Uncle defiled niece while 'effectively acting as parent'. Charges or matters: two charges of defilement of a child on dates unknown between November 23, 2011 and November 22, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

November 23, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
November 22, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
2020-10-12 Publication

Why: The Central Criminal Court heard that Ms McDonagh was not able to marry within the Travelling Community because she was no longer a virgin because of the sexual assaults by her uncle. Court evidence reported by CNI