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Survivor tells of how 'innocence was stolen' through abuse
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 38‑year‑old Irene Cullen testified that her step‑father, Noel Foran, sexually abused her about ten times between 1991 and 1998, mostly while she slept. Cullen recalled a specific incident on New Year's Eve 1996 when she was 11, describing how Foran forced himself on her in her bedroom. She said the abuse caused PTSD, self‑harm with razor blades, and long‑term sleep disturbances. Foran pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault and was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, with his name placed on the Sex Offenders' Register. The judge praised Cullen's courage in reporting the abuse and noted Foran's lack of prior convictions and remorse. Cullen's statement highlighted the lasting impact of the abuse on her life and her protective stance toward her own children.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Survivor tells of how 'innocence was stolen' through abuse. Charges or matters: three sample counts of sexually assaulting Ms Irene Cullen at that address on dates between March 14, 1991 and March 13, 1998. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 14, 1991 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 13, 1998 Hearing Or Sentence
- New Year's Eve Incident
- New Year's Eve 1996 Incident
- 2023-07-06 Publication
Why: Ms Cullen, now aged 38, waived her anonymity in order to name her step-father at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: three sample counts of sexually assaulting Ms Irene Cullen at that address on dates between March 14, 1991 and March 13, 1998 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Noel Foran (60) of Birchview Close, Kilnamanagh, Tallaght in Co Dublin has been jailed for three years after he pleaded guilty to three sample counts of sexually assaulting Ms Irene Cullen at that address on dates between March 14, 1991 and March 13, 1998.
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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