Courts / Ireland / Report
Man threatened to drown his cousin in river after sexual assault
Summary
A 25‑year‑old man was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended for two years, by Mr Justice Paul McDermott at the Central Criminal Court for sexually assaulting his 13‑year‑old cousin. The court heard that the defendant lured the child to an abandoned shed, forced her into a sexual assault, and threatened to drown her in a river if she disclosed the crime. He also threatened the child's father, saying he would leave him looking like the horror‑movie doll 'Chucky'. The defendant pleaded guilty to the assault and to witness intimidation. He has 81 prior convictions, including theft, fraud, road‑traffic offences and criminal damage. The judge noted the victim's bravery and the aggravating nature of the threats, and ordered the defendant to engage with Probation Services, Tusla and a therapeutic group programme while in custody and for two years after release.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man threatened to drown his cousin in river after sexual assault. Charges or matters: one count of witness intimidation on a date in March this year. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 25 Incident
- 2025-10-16 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: one count of witness intimidation on a date in March this year (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: By Isabel Hayes and Declan Brennan A man who sexually abused his 13-year-old cousin after luring her to an abandoned shed against her will has been jailed for eight years by a judge at the Central Criminal Court.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Fraud Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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