Courts / Ireland / Report
Former soldier jailed for repeated rape of niece and grand-nephew
Summary
A 64‑year‑old former soldier was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, with the last year suspended, for repeatedly raping his niece and grand‑nephew. He pleaded guilty to four counts of oral rape of his niece between January 1991 and September 1992, and to four counts of oral rape of his grand‑nephew between February 2002 and December 2004. The victims were as young as eight when the assaults began. The judge noted the offender's voluntary surrender to Gardaí, early guilty plea, and attempts at sex‑offending intervention, and considered his prior good military record as mitigating factors. The sentence was reduced from an initial nine‑year recommendation. The offender was ordered to continue counselling and to keep the peace for three years. The victims' impact statements described lasting emotional distress, panic attacks, PTSD, and suicidal ideation. The court did not find the offences to be in the most serious range.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former soldier jailed for repeated rape of niece and grand-nephew. Charges or matters: four counts of oral rape of his niece between January 1991 and September 1992. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 1991 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 1992 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 2002 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2004 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2018-10-26 Publication
Why: In her victim impact statement, the woman said she cannot play children's game with her children because they trigger memories of the abuse. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: four counts of oral rape of his niece between January 1991 and September 1992 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: By Brion Hoban and Declan Brennan A former soldier who repeatedly raped his niece and grand-nephew by blindfolding them in "a game" has been jailed for six years.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Sentence
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