Courts / Dublin / Report

Abuse victims speak of 'deep frustration' with length of court process

Date
2026-05-11
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Ballymun
County
Dublin

Summary

Edward McGregor, 55, was jailed for nine years for sexually abusing his two young cousins over eight years, from 1986 to 1993. The victims, Frances McGregor and Caitriona Carr, expressed frustration with the lengthy and difficult court process. McGregor pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault and attempted rape. Justice Eileen Creedon noted the abuse's severe impact on the victims' mental health and trust. She reduced the headline sentence of 13 years to 10 years, considering mitigating factors. The victims hope the case will lead to changes in how such cases are handled, emphasizing the need for victim support and reducing delays. McGregor's defense highlighted his lack of previous convictions and his remorse, requesting a sentence that allows for rehabilitation. The prosecution emphasized the severity of the offenses, including the breach of trust as a babysitter and the prolonged nature of the abuse.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Abuse victims speak of 'deep frustration' with length of court process. Charges or matters: sexual assaulting Frances McGregor and Caitriona Carr by penetration of the mouth with his penis; a total of 10 counts of sexual assault of Ms McGregor on unknown dates between 1986 and 1993; four counts of sexual assault of Ms Carr between 1986 and 1993 and to a single count of attempted rape of Ms Carr on an unknown date sometime between January 1990 and December 1993. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Frances McGregor

Convicted Person

Charges: sexual assaulting Frances McGregor and Caitriona Carr by penetration of the mouth with his penis; a total of 10 counts of sexual assault of Ms McGregor on unknown dates between 1986 and 1993; four counts of sexual assault of Ms Carr between 1986 and 1993 and to a single count of attempted rape of Ms Carr on an unknown date sometime between January 1990 and December 1993 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Photo: Collins) by Declan Brennan A man who was a teenager when he began sexually abusing his two young cousins while babysitting has been jailed for nine years. Imposing sentence this morning, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon noted that McGregor was the designated babysitter for the victims.; On his next appearance, McGregor was remanded into custody.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Residence
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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