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Life sentence for man who raped sisters and daughters over four decades of harrowing abuse

Summary

Richard O'Brien, aged 61, was convicted by a jury of 63 counts of rape, sexual assault and indecent assault against five victims, including his sisters, niece and two daughters, with offences spanning 1975 to 2011. The Central Criminal Court heard that the abuse began in his family home on O'Moore Road, Ballyfermot, and continued until the three women fled as teenagers. He also strangled a puppy and a kitten during their childhood. O'Brien denied all allegations. The court imposed a life sentence for the rape of his daughters and concurrent sentences totalling 11 years for the other offences, with the sentences commencing from his March 2024 custody. The judge noted O'Brien's lack of remorse and the severe impact on the victims, who had waived anonymity to name him.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Life sentence for man who raped sisters and daughters over four decades of harrowing abuse. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

• 1975 and 2011 Incident
• 1975 and 1986 Incident
• 2001 and 2011 Incident
• 2023-05-15 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report