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Man sexually abused sister "two or three times a week" when he was 12, court hears

Summary

In a 2016 hearing, a 57‑year‑old man pleaded guilty to four counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault against his four‑year‑old sister between December 1971 and October 1973. He claimed the acts were consensual, a claim the court rejected. The sister, now 49, testified that the abuse occurred two or three times a week, describing it as a "waiting game" that left her feeling imprisoned in her own body and mind. She recounted specific incidents, including being forced to perform oral sex during a family wedding and being raped while her mother was speaking to a neighbour. The court adjourned sentencing to the following Tuesday. The defendant, father of seven, had no prior convictions and was not interviewed by Gardaí after the abuse was reported to health authorities in 1994. The defense argued his juvenile status and remorse should be considered, but the court did not impose a custodial sentence at that time.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man sexually abused sister "two or three times a week" when he was 12, court hears. Charges or matters: four counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault on dates between December 1971 and October 1973; sample counts. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• December 1971 Adjournment
• October 1973 Adjournment
• 2016-12-12 Publication

Why: The now 49-year-old woman read from her victim impact report that she didn't feel like she had her "own identity because the abuse is so ingrained in me". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Sexual Offences Stage Sentence Violent Crime Wedding Related

Read the original CNI report