Courts / Ireland / Report
Girl repeatedly raped by family friend tells court she felt more on trial than attacker
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 9 October 2023, a 17‑year‑old girl who had been repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted by a family friend over six years, starting when she was seven, read her victim impact statement. The defendant, a 40‑year‑old man whose name is withheld, was found guilty of 12 counts including rape, anal rape and oral rape, and not guilty of one count of sexual assault. He continues to deny wrongdoing. The victim described the man as a predator, said she lives in constant fear, suffers severe anxiety, depression and PTSD, and that the court process made her feel more on trial than he was. She said her schoolwork suffered, she isolated herself, and she fears future effects of the abuse. The judge thanked her for her report and hoped she would continue her studies. The case was adjourned to 23 October for finalisation. The unnamed 17-year-old was acquitted.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Girl repeatedly raped by family friend tells court she felt more on trial than attacker. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Acquitted
When:
- October 2012 Incident
- July 2018 Incident
- April 2021 Incident
- October 23 Adjournment
- 2023-10-09 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Finding: Acquitted
Outcome: Acquitted; The now 17-year-old girl read her victim impact statement during the sentence hearing of the 40-year-old defendant.; Ms Justice O'Connor adjourned the case to October 23 for finalisation.
Places mentioned
- The Central Criminal Court
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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