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Ex-soldier who 'groomed an inveigled' adopted daughter into 'sick world' of rape and abuse gets 10 years
Summary
Gerard Lawless, a 61‑year‑old retired Irish Defence Forces member, pleaded guilty to four counts of oral rape and seven counts of sexual assault against his adopted daughter, Danielle Lawless, between 1991 and 1998. The abuse began when Danielle was about five, with the most intense period occurring between October 1995 and April 1997 when she was around ten. The final two assaults took place between November 1997 and August 1998, when she was about twelve. Danielle, who waived anonymity, described how her father exploited her trust, manipulated her sense of love, and inflicted lasting shame and guilt. Lawless had no prior convictions and was in custody since his plea. Mr Justice Paul McDermott sentenced him to a global prison term of ten years, imposed three years of post‑release supervision, and ordered no contact with the victim. The court noted the abuse's escalation, the breach of paternal trust, and Lawless's ill health and lack of remorse.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Ex-soldier who 'groomed an inveigled' adopted daughter into 'sick world' of rape and abuse gets 10 years. Charges or matters: four counts of oral rape and seven counts of sexual assault on dates between 1991 and 1998 at the family's then home in Dublin. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 1995 Incident
- April 1997 Incident
- November 1997 Incident
- August 1998 Incident
- 1991 and 1998 Incident
- 2024-05-10 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: four counts of oral rape and seven counts of sexual assault on dates between 1991 and 1998 at the family's then home in Dublin (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Today he handed Lawless a global prison sentence of 10 years, directing him to undergo three years of post-release supervision and to have no contact either directly or indirectly with the victim.; After hearing facts yesterday, Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case overnight to consider the sentence.
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