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'You took my courage from me all those years ago. Today I take it back': sister to abuser brother
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 8 July 2022, Catherine Kirwan, aged 57, testified that her older brother, Paul Brothwood, 63, had repeatedly sexually assaulted her between 1973 and 1975 when she was aged nine to eleven and he was fourteen to sixteen. Kirwan described a life of fear, dread, and mental health difficulties, citing the abuse's impact on her relationships, marriage, and career prospects. She read a victim impact statement in which she said, "You, Paul, took my courage from me all those years ago. Today I take it back." Brothwood pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault and was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment, the maximum penalty at the time being two years. The judge noted his remorse and cooperation, and the court added him to the Sex Offenders' Register. Kirwan's statement highlighted the long‑term trauma she endured, including severe depression, anxiety, and an attempted overdose.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'You took my courage from me all those years ago. Today I take it back': sister to abuser brother. Charges or matters: four sample counts of indecently assaulting his sister in their family home at Tibradden Grove, Walkinstown, Dublin between 1973 and 1975. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- 1973 and 1975 Incident
- 2022-07-08 Publication
Why: I could never just be myself, because I don't know who I am," she told the court. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: four sample counts of indecently assaulting his sister in their family home at Tibradden Grove, Walkinstown, Dublin between 1973 and 1975 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Paul Brothwood (63) of Apples Road, Wedgewood Estate, Sandyford was today sentenced to eight months in prison after he pleaded guilty to four sample counts of indecently assaulting his sister in their family home at Tibradden Grove, Walkinstown, Dublin between 1973 and 1975.
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