Courts / Dublin / Report
Daughter of garda accused says family home had 'atmosphere of violence'
Summary
The eldest daughter of a garda accused of rape and child cruelty has testified that the family home had an atmosphere of violence and threats, likening it to living in a military barracks. The 24-year-old complainant, who referred to the accused as her father, described incidents of physical and emotional abuse, including being forced to run daily, being physically punished with a spatula, and being subjected to verbal abuse by her father. She also recounted an incident where her father threatened to poison a puppy if it was brought back into the family home. The complainant said she began attending therapy in June 2024, which led to Tusla being involved. She described her father's behavior towards her younger sister as emotional manipulation, including making her eat until she was sick and commenting on her weight. The accused has pleaded not guilty to charges of child cruelty, assault, and rape. The trial continues with the jury of seven men and five women, presided over by Mr Justice Sean Gillane.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Daughter of garda accused says family home had 'atmosphere of violence'. Charges or matters: two counts of child cruelty against her on unknown dates between 2007 and 2024; two counts of raping his wife, this woman's mother, on dates in 2009 and 2021 and to child cruelty of another, younger, daughter. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- November 2021 Other
- June 2024 Incident
- March 2021 Other
- November 2023 Other
- 2007 and 2024 Incident
- 2009 and 2021 Other
- 2026-07-02 Publication
Why: She said that in March 2021, there was an argument between her parents because her mother had "started to put her foot down". CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two counts of child cruelty against her on unknown dates between 2007 and 2024; two counts of raping his wife, this woman's mother, on dates in 2009 and 2021 and to child cruelty of another, younger, daughter (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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