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Aunt told gardai she was being 'blamed for things she did not do', Munster abuse trial hears

Summary

During a Garda interview, a 35‑year‑old woman accused of abusing her niece and nephew said she was being blamed for things she did not do. The trial involves six extended family members, all unnamed for legal reasons, who are accused of abusing three children between 2014 and 2016. The accused include the children's parents, aunts and uncles, aged 27 to 56, and live in various parts of Munster. All defendants have denied the charges. The woman, who pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual assault, claimed she had no knowledge of any inappropriate behaviour in her home and that the children's parents had laughed at her when she raised concerns. She stated she could not accept allegations she had not witnessed or committed. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Aunt told gardai she was being 'blamed for things she did not do', Munster abuse trial hears. Charges or matters: three counts of sexual assault at locations in Munster on unknown dates between August 18, 2014 and April 28, 2016; 12 counts including rape, sexual assault and sexual exploitation at locations in Munster on unknown dates between August 18, 2014 and April 28, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 2018 Incident
• August 18, 2014 Incident
• April 28, 2016 Incident
• 2014 and 2016 Other
• 2021-07-08 Publication

Case subjects

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report