Sligo man jailed for sexually abusing cousin he babysat

A 28-year-old man from Sligo has been sentenced to seven and a half years' imprisonment following his guilty plea to sexually assaulting his young cousin while babysitting. The offence occurred between 2007 and 2010. The Central Criminal Court heard that the victim and accused came from extremely dysfunctional backgrounds. The child was later removed to the care of a relative due to neglect. When that relative became concerned following a conversation with the child, gardai were contacted. The victim disclosed the abuse to specialist gardai. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy acknowledged the man's alcoholism and difficult upbringing but noted his late guilty plea warranted only modest credit. A victim impact statement detailed the lasting psychological harm, including nightmares and difficulties in relationships. The defence argued the accused, who has never worked and struggles with severe addiction, was capable of remorse having chosen to face his actions.