Courts / Waterford / Report
Child allegedly raped by his father showed disturbing behaviour in school, trial hears
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 12‑year‑old boy who claimed he was raped by his father and forced to have sex with his mother testified via video‑link about abuse he alleged occurred in Waterford between 2007 and 2011. He described being raped with a hot poker and having a gun held to his head. The parents face 82 abuse charges; both pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of sexual exploitation and one child cruelty charge each. The mother also denied 16 sexual assault counts, while the father denied 16 anal rape and 16 sexual assault with a poker counts. During re‑examination, the boy said he still liked his father, citing "happy times" such as holidays. A teacher testified that the boy had behavioural problems, including biting, spitting, inappropriate touching, and talking about death, and that he was taken into care in 2011 after a school visit.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Child allegedly raped by his father showed disturbing behaviour in school, trial hears. Charges or matters: 16 counts each of sexual exploitation and one charge each of child cruelty. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 2011 Other
- 2007 and 2011 Incident
- 2016-04-25 Publication
Why: The teacher said she had seen him cry before out of frustration or because he hurt himself, "but this was different. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: 16 counts each of sexual exploitation and one charge each of child cruelty (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Trial Violent Crime
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