Courts / Laois / Report

Rape victim was told to 'try to forget' repeated abuse by her uncles

Summary

Sabrina Fox, a young woman who was repeatedly raped and abused by her uncles from the age of nine until she was 13, spoke out in court about the lasting trauma of the abuse. James Joseph Jordan and Patrick Fintan Jordan pleaded guilty to rape and indecent assault. Fox described how her uncles had intimidated her and told her to forget the abuse, leaving her feeling ashamed and isolated. Justice David Keane imposed a nine-and-a-half-year sentence on both men, noting the severity of the abuse and the vulnerability of the victim. The judge acknowledged the men's guilty pleas and their medical issues but emphasized the need for justice. The victims' impact statement highlighted the long-term effects of the abuse on Fox's life and mental health.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Rape victim was told to 'try to forget' repeated abuse by her uncles. Charges or matters: rape and indecent assault on dates between 1986 and 1991; rape and indecent assault, on dates between 1986 and 1991. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• 1986 and 1991 Incident
• 2026-01-15 Publication

Why: Barry White SC, defending Patrick Fintan Jordan, said because of the man's alcohol abuse his memory is impaired but he accepts the offending occurred. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report