Courts / Waterford / Report

Alleged rape victim lived in a "nice house" and enjoyed playing with his dad, trial told

Date
2016-04-15

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Waterford

Summary

In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, a 12‑year‑old boy testified that his father raped him and forced him to have sex with his mother in their Waterford home over several years, beginning when he was about six. He said the father filmed some incidents and showed them to others, held a gun to his head, and locked him in a box. The boy also described being forced to use a hot poker. He recounted that his parents bought him toys, including a motorised bike, and that he enjoyed riding it up and down the driveway. He described picnics, day trips to the beach, and holidays elsewhere. The parents face 82 abuse charges from 2007 to 2011; both plead not guilty to 16 counts of sexual exploitation and one child cruelty charge each. The trial continues with further cross‑examination before Mr Justice Robert Eagar and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Alleged rape victim lived in a "nice house" and enjoyed playing with his dad, trial told. Charges or matters: 16 counts each of sexual exploitation and one charge each of child cruelty. Procedural stage: trial

When: