Sex offender changes mind about appeal

A FARMER given 12 years for sexually assaulting his son and two daughters has withdrawn an appeal against the sentence

A FARMER given 12 years for sexually assaulting his son and two daughters has withdrawn an appeal against the sentence. Mr Blaise O'Carroll SC, for the man, told the Court of Criminal Appeal yesterday this his application was to withdraw the appeal. Mr Justice Barrington, who sat with Mr Justice Carney and Miss Justice. Laffoy, granting the application for a withdrawal, told Mr O'Carroll that he thought his client was well advised.

The farmer, now aged 55, pleaded guilty in the Central Criminal Court two years ago to sexually assaulting his children in 17 years of abuse.