Courts / Ireland / Report
Jury sworn for trial of seven family members accused of sexually abusing children
Summary
A jury was sworn in on 27 May 2021 for the trial of seven relatives accused of sexually abusing three children in Munster. The accused, ranging in age from 27 to 57, include the children's parents, grandmother, and several aunts and uncles. All seven deny the allegations. The Central Criminal Court heard that the parents were also accused of wilfully neglecting two additional child complainants. The judge, Justice Paul McDermott, explained that the allegations stem from repeated sexual assault or abuse by close relations between 2014 and 2016. He noted the case would likely take more than eight weeks, advising the jury to budget for eight to ten weeks. The trial is scheduled to open in evidence before the jury at Croke Park on 31 May. The accused pleaded not guilty to a range of counts including rape, anal rape, oral rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and wilfully neglecting children. The trial will determine the outcome of these charges.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury sworn for trial of seven family members accused of sexually abusing children. Charges or matters: wilfully neglecting two further male children at a location in Munster on unknown dates between August 18, 2014 and April 28, 2016; three counts, including sexually assaulting the female child and sexually assaulting one of the male children at locations in Munster on unknown dates between August 18, 2014 and April 28, 2016; four counts, including sexual assault and sexual exploitation at locations in Munster on unknown dates between August 18, 2014 and April 28, 2016; three counts of sexually assaulting the female child by touching her genitals at locations in Munster on unknown dates between August 18, 2014 and April 28, 2016. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- August 18, 2014 Incident
- April 28, 2016 Incident
- Monday, May 31 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014 to 2016 Incident
- 2021-05-27 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: wilfully neglecting two further male children at a location in Munster on unknown dates between August 18, 2014 and April 28, 2016; three counts, including sexually assaulting the female child and sexually assaulting one of the male children at locations in Munster on unknown dates between August 18, 2014 and April 28, 2016; four counts, including sexual assault and sexual exploitation at locations in Munster on unknown dates between August 18, 2014 and April 28, 2016; three counts of sexually assaulting the female child by touching her genitals at locations in Munster on unknown dates between August 18, 2014 and April 28, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- The Central Criminal Court
- Croke Park
Topics
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