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Garda's daughter tells trial she grew up expecting to be hit over uneaten meals

Summary

A 48-year-old garda has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including child cruelty and rape, during his Central Criminal Court trial. His 17-year-old daughter testified that she grew up fearing physical punishment if she didn't finish her dinner, with her father using objects like sticks and spoons to enforce compliance. She described several incidents, including one where her father forced her hand into a door after an accident, and another where he hit her with a hairbrush after she refused to brush her hair. The girl also recounted being strangled during a tickling incident and witnessing her father allegedly choke her younger sister. She said her father showed photos of her weight loss to friends and family, making her feel uncomfortable. During cross-examination, she confirmed she had sought therapy and written a journal, but did not discuss it with her mother or grandmother. The trial continues before Mr Justice Sean Gillane and the jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda's daughter tells trial she grew up expecting to be hit over uneaten meals. Charges or matters: one count of child cruelty of his now 17-year-old daughter on dates between 2015 and 2024; two counts of raping his wife on dates in 2009 and 2021; two counts of child cruelty of his now 24-year-old daughter on unknown dates between 2007 and 2020. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• September 2023 Incident
• 2015 and 2024 Other
• 2009 and 2021 Incident
• 2007 and 2020 Incident
• Christmas Incident
• 2026-07-03 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

Read the original CNI report