Courts / Ireland / Report
Munster abuse case: charges against other family members dropped
Summary
In the Central Criminal Court, the Director of Public Prosecutions dropped charges against four extended family members accused of sexually abusing three children in Munster. The accused included the children's 79-year-old grandfather, a 33-year-old uncle, his former partner (37), and a 38-year-old woman. All four had previously pleaded not guilty to sample charges. The grandfather faced three counts of sexually assaulting his granddaughter, one count of sexually exploiting her, and one count of failing to report neglect. The uncle was accused of two counts of sexually assaulting his niece. His former partner faced four counts of sexually assaulting the same girl, two counts of sexually exploiting her, and two counts of failing to report exploitation and child cruelty. The 38-year-old woman was charged with two counts of sexually assaulting two boys and one count of failing to report neglect. These disposals follow last month's sentencing, where the children's father and mother were jailed for 15 and nine years respectively for sexual abuse and wilful neglect. Two uncles, aged 49 and 27, received 15-year sentences, while a maternal aunt (35) was jailed for three years for sexually assaulting two children. Mr Justice Paul McDermott described the parents' actions as a profound breach of trust, noting the children were isolated and subjected to appalling, prolonged abuse.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Munster abuse case: charges against other family members dropped. Charges or matters: two counts of sexually assaulting the two boys and one count of failing to tell gardaí that the children were being neglected; sample charges before the court. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 2014 Other
- April 2016 Other
- 2022-02-01 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: two counts of sexually assaulting the two boys and one count of failing to tell gardaí that the children were being neglected; sample charges before the court (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Last month, the children's father and mother were jailed for 15 and nine years respectively for what the judge described as the "most awful" sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of their three eldest children and the wilful neglect of their five children. Two uncles, aged 49 and 27, were jailed for 15 years for their part in the sexual abuse, while a maternal aunt (35) was jailed for three years for sexually assaulting two of the children.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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