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'Clerical error' saw investigation of abuser's case delayed for 10 years
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a 46‑year‑old man was sentenced to eight years for sexually abusing his teenage stepdaughter over a decade. The victim, who was 14 when the abuse began, reported the matter to Gardaí in 2012, but a clerical error caused the investigation to be put on hold for nearly ten years. The abuse started immediately after the man married the girl's mother, with the perpetrator sending sexualised texts from his honeymoon and later engaging in oral sex and intercourse. The victim estimated about 100 sexual encounters and felt groomed because she was "naive, vulnerable and very quiet." She later disclosed the abuse to her mother, who then took the family to the police. The court noted the delay harmed the victim and the accused, and the judge remarked the sentence would have been slightly higher without the procedural lapse. The unnamed 46-year-old pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Clerical error' saw investigation of abuser's case delayed for 10 years. Charges or matters: seven sample counts of sexually defiling a child at her home on dates between January and December 2010; sexually exploiting her between October 2009 and March 2011. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 2009 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-06-24 Publication
Why: She came to realise she was being groomed by the man and felt that he targeted her because she was "naive, vulnerable and very quiet", the court heard. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: seven sample counts of sexually defiling a child at her home on dates between January and December 2010; sexually exploiting her between October 2009 and March 2011 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He handed down a sentence of eight years, noting it would have been slightly higher but for the delays in dealing with the case.
Places mentioned
Topics
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