Courts / Laois / Report
Man caused 'so much destruction' by raping and abusing daughter
Summary
Patrick Shiels, 66, was found guilty of oral rape and four counts of sexual assault against his daughter, Marlene Prakash-Shiels, who was aged between four and eight at the time. The offences occurred between September 2000 and December 2004 at his address in Togher, Portlaoise, Co Laois. Shiels was also found guilty of two charges of child cruelty for forcing the victim to drink alcohol and watch pornography. This verdict followed a retrial earlier this year; Shiels had previously been convicted and jailed but was released in July 2021 after the Court of Appeal ordered a re-trial. The victim, who waived her anonymity, stated that Shiels caused "so much destruction" and showed no remorse. Prosecutors noted that the victim was placed in foster care in 2001 and that alcohol was a consistent feature of her visits to her father. Defence counsel highlighted Shiels' anxiety, depression, and alcoholism, noting he has no previous convictions. However, Mr Justice Tony Hunt stated there was little room for mitigation because Shiels does not accept the jury's verdict. The matter was adjourned to July 22 for sentencing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man caused 'so much destruction' by raping and abusing daughter. Charges or matters: oral rape and four counts of sexual assault on various occasions between September 2000 and December 2004 at his then address in Togher, Portlaoise, Co Laois following a retrial earlier this year. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- September 2000 Incident
- December 2004 Incident
- July 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 22 Adjournment
- 2022-07-11 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: oral rape and four counts of sexual assault on various occasions between September 2000 and December 2004 at his then address in Togher, Portlaoise, Co Laois following a retrial earlier this year (Proven)
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Shiels was convicted and jailed following a previous trial but released from custody in July 2021 after the Court of Appeal ordered a re-trial.; He adjourned the case to July 22 for sentencing.
Places mentioned
- The Central Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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