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'Extraordinary' if sex abuse happened under 'constant scrutiny' of State services, defence say

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court trial, a defence barrister argued that the alleged sexual abuse of three children by family members would be "extraordinary" if it occurred under the intense scrutiny of State agencies. The barrister described the family's care as "tremendous and monumental" and likened the oversight to a "police helicopter" hovering over the house. He questioned the adequacy of Gardaí interviews, suggesting that the mother's admissions were not thoroughly probed and that the officers failed to pursue deeper evidence. The mother, aged 34, pleaded not guilty to 25 counts, including sexual assault and wilfully neglecting children, while the father, 56, pleaded not guilty to 31 counts. Other relatives also pleaded not guilty to various sexual and neglect charges. The trial was scheduled to continue before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Extraordinary' if sex abuse happened under 'constant scrutiny' of State services, defence say. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• August 18, 2014 Incident
• April 28, 2016 Incident
• 2014 and 2016 Other
• 2021-07-21 Publication

Why: A defence barrister has told a jury that it would be "extraordinary" if the sexual abuse alleged by three children against members of their family took place because of "the constant scrutiny" of State agencies. Defence account reported by CNI

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report