Courts / Waterford / Report
10 years for man's 'gross breach of trust' in repeated abuse of young cousin
Summary
In a Waterford Central Criminal Court trial, a 34‑year‑old man was convicted of 17 counts of sexual assault against his young cousin over a four‑year period from April 2010. The abuse occurred in the family home and a nearby wooden area, with the victim, who was about ten when first abused, living under the care of the defendant's mother. Incidents happened several times a month, usually in the parents' room, and ceased after an alleged apology by the defendant before the victim entered secondary school in 2014, a claim denied by both parties. The victim, now 23, testified that the abuse left her with loneliness, pain and depression. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath, noting the gross breach of trust and the victim's vulnerability, imposed a headline sentence of 12 years, reduced to 11 years with the final year suspended on strict conditions. The judge highlighted the defendant's lack of prior convictions and work record as mitigating factors.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 10 years for man's 'gross breach of trust' in repeated abuse of young cousin. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- April 2010 Incident
- 2024-10-14 Publication
Why: The court was told there were periods when no incidents occurred because the man was away at training courses. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; A man who repeatedly sexually abused his young cousin in a "gross breach of trust" over a four-year period has been jailed for 10 years. He imposed a sentence of 11 years with the final year suspended on strict conditions.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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