Courts / Waterford / Report

Prosecution closes case in abuse trial

Date
2016-05-12

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Waterford

Summary

The prosecution has finished presenting its case in a child‑abuse trial after six weeks of evidence. The case involves a boy who had alleged that his parents sexually abused him, including rape, use of a hot poker, forced incest and other violent acts, and that the father filmed some incidents. The boy, now 12, had previously retracted the allegations, claiming only physical abuse occurred, but later insisted the allegations were true and that he retracted them to avoid the trial. The guardian ad litem, an independent social worker, stated she did not believe the boy's retractions were genuine. The parents face 82 abuse charges between 2007 and 2011 and have pleaded not guilty to 16 counts each of sexual exploitation and one count of child cruelty. The trial will continue with legal arguments tomorrow and the defence may call evidence. The court will adjourn for lunch on Saturday if the weather is good.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Prosecution closes case in abuse trial. Charges or matters: 16 counts each of sexual exploitation and one charge each of child cruelty. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

2007 and 2011 Incident
2016-05-12 Publication

Why: However, during his trial testimony the now 12 year old insisted the allegations were true and said he only retracted them because he didn't want to go through with the trial. CNI source report