Courts / Waterford / Report
Child showed no signs of injury, abuse trial hears
Summary
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, a nine‑year‑old boy alleged that his father raped him with a hot poker, sexually abused him, forced him to have sex with his mother, filmed the incidents, held a gun to his head and locked him in a box. The boy, taken into care when about six, was medically examined by Dr Elizabeth Walsh, who found no bruises, lacerations or scars on his genitals or anus and negative tests for sexually transmitted diseases. Dr Walsh explained that the absence of visible injury does not rule out sexual abuse, noting that 80 % of children show no signs within seven days of abuse and 95 % after more than seven days. The unnamed boy pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Child showed no signs of injury, abuse trial hears. Charges or matters: 16 counts each of sexual exploitation and one charge each of child cruelty. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 2007 and 2011 Incident
- 2016-05-03 Publication
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
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