Courts / Dublin / Report
Child rapist abused granddaughter after wife let him in house
Summary
A 77-year-old man was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to one count of sexually abusing his granddaughter on a date unknown between February 1, 2002, and December 31, 2003. The victim, who was aged between five and seven at the time, alleged the abuse occurred in the kitchen of the defendant's home. Two further charges were taken into consideration during sentencing. Judge Martin Nolan jailed the defendant for one year, noting that had the man been ten years younger and in better health, the sentence would have been longer. The judge acknowledged the defendant's age, health issues, and remorse, but emphasized that a prison sentence was necessary despite these factors. The court heard that the defendant's wife had told the child he was her uncle, while the mother believed he was not present. The defendant, a convicted child rapist with prior convictions for indecent assault and rape, is currently living in sheltered accommodation. His defense counsel highlighted his isolation and previous suicide attempts, while the prosecution noted his failure to comply with sex offender registration. The matter was finalized with the imposition of the one-year custodial sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Child rapist abused granddaughter after wife let him in house. Charges or matters: one count of sexually abusing the girl on a date unknown between February 1, 2002 and December 31, 2003. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 1, 2002 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 31, 2003 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-11-03 Publication
Why: Gda Lynn agreed with Kevin White BL, defending, that the man had previously failed to show up for a trial date because he had tried to harm himself. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of sexually abusing the girl on a date unknown between February 1, 2002 and December 31, 2003 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: A convicted child rapist who abused his granddaughter after his wife permitted him to be in the house during the child's weekend visits has been jailed for one year. Judge Nolan said had the man been 10 years younger, and in better health, he would have jailed him for longer.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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