Courts / Dublin / Report
'Forgiveness not an option' for woman abused by her older brother
Summary
In a Dublin court, a 38‑year‑old woman whose older brother sexually assaulted her between 1999 and 2002 pleaded guilty to sexual assault. She was aged eight to eleven at the time, while the brother was twelve to fifteen. The court accepted the plea on a full facts basis and imposed a two‑year sentence, with eight months suspended on strict conditions. The woman described four incidents of abuse, the last occurring while their mother was downstairs. She said she felt shame, fear of not being believed, and turned to drugs and alcohol, but is now receiving counselling. Her parents disowned her and supported the brother after she complained to Gardaí. She stated that forgiveness is not an option and that she will never forgive him.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Forgiveness not an option' for woman abused by her older brother. Charges or matters: sexual assault on dates between 1999 and 2002 at an address in Dublin; sexual assault on a trial date earlier this year after a jury had been empanelled. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 2022 Other
- July 29 Incident
- 1999 and 2002 Incident
- 2025-10-10 Publication
Why: By Eimear Dodd A woman who was sexually assaulted by her older brother over 20 years ago has told a court "forgiveness is not an option for me in this journey because of the severe trauma I've endured". CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: sexual assault on dates between 1999 and 2002 at an address in Dublin; sexual assault on a trial date earlier this year after a jury had been empanelled (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: The man was today handed a two-year sentence, with the final eight months suspended on strict conditions.
Places mentioned
- Unit at Kevin Street Garda Station
- Kevin Street
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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