Courts / Dublin / Report

Victim twice rebuffed by gardai after attempting to report rape at hands of uncle, court hears

Date
2026-03-20

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Michael Poole was convicted of 14 counts of raping Lisa Brown and eight counts of indecent assault after abusing his niece while babysitting her. The court heard Brown tried twice to report the abuse and was rebuffed; Mr Justice Patrick McGrath sentenced Poole to 12 years, with the final two suspended. Michael Poole pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Victim twice rebuffed by gardai after attempting to report rape at hands of uncle, court hears. Charges or matters: 27 counts of indecent assaults. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

1980 and 1988 Incident
2026-03-20 Publication

Why: " Ms Brown also outlined the psychological effects the abuse had on her because of the abuse, which started when she was seven and continued until she was 14. CNI source report

Case subjects

Michael Poole

Convicted Person

Charges: 27 counts of indecent assaults (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Today, Mr Justice Patrick McGrath jailed Poole for 12 years. Addressing the victim, who was watching by video-link, the judge said: "On behalf of the court, I'd like to commend you, Ms Brown, in persisting until you were listened to." Mr Justice McGrath set a headline sentence of 14 years, suspended the final two years and backdated it for time spent in custody.