A Co Kilkenny man who sexually abused his grandniece has been jailed for eight years by Mr Justice Flood in the Central Criminal Court. Last month the 49-year-old married man was convicted by a jury of attempted oral rape and aggravated sexual assault of the victim in her bedroom in 1992.
He had earlier signed guilty pleas in the District Court to six charges of indecent and sexual assault of the girl during the period 1990 to 1992. The jury at the Central Criminal Court failed to agree on 13 charges of sexual assault and acquitted him of a charge of rape. The victim is now aged 19.
Mr Justice Flood said the victim had been quite young when the offences were committed by her granduncle. By any standard the offences were the greatest possible breach of trust and filial responsibility.
During the trial the defendant said he had "shamefully" sexually assaulted her on about five or six occasions from 1990 to 1992. These acts had arisen while they were playing, he claimed. On January 19th, 1996, he became aware she had made complaints of abuse against him. Five days later he attempted to kill himself as a result of "shame and embarrassment".
He was in a coma for four days after drinking whiskey and taking 300 pills. When he recovered he spent more time in hospital and then was admitted to a psychiatric unit.
He said the victim's claims of rape, attempted oral rape and digital penetration were untrue.