Courts / Ireland / Report

Boy raped by older cousin describes how he has been 'sentenced to life'

Summary

A 15‑year‑old boy, abused by his older cousin from age eight to eleven, told the Central Criminal Court that he had tried to kill himself to escape the pain. He said the abuse began when he was eight and the cousin was thirteen, lasting three years in a rural Leinster area. The boy's family moved away from their "forever home" and his father has suffered a stroke from the stress. He read his victim impact statement at the sentencing of the 20‑year‑old accused, who pleaded guilty to two sexual assault charges, oral and anal rape, and child exploitation for showing him pornographic images between January 2018 and February 2020. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a three‑year sentence, suspending the final year on conditions, and directed the defendant to receive autism support and counselling.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Boy raped by older cousin describes how he has been 'sentenced to life'. Charges or matters: sample counts including two sexual assault charges, one oral rape, one anal rape and a charge of child exploitation by causing a child to look at images of sexual activity on dates between January 2018 and February 2020. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• January 2018 Incident
• February 2020 Incident
• May 2020 Other
• October 2021 Incident
• 2024-07-01 Publication

Why: He spoke of falling behind in school because it was "easier to get into trouble" and he struggled with sleep. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report