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Father gets 14 years for sexual abuse of son

Courts - Man jailed for 14 years for sexual abuse
Courts - Man jailed for 14 years for sexual abuse

A 52-year-old man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for the systematic sexual abuse of his eldest son over three years.

Mr Justice Barry White suspended the final 18 months of the sentence.

He told the man he had committed an appalling breach of the trust of an innocent and vulnerable child.

The father in this case pleaded not guilty to 47 counts of rape and sexual assault on his son, when the boy was aged between 12 and 15 years old.

Despite being found guilty by a jury, he continues to claim that he is innocent.

Mr Justice White told him his offences were all the more reprehensible because of the position he enjoyed in the family.

He said he was head of the family and in a dominant position.

He told the man he had shown no remorse and offered no apology and was in denial about his offensive behaviour.

Afterwards, his son, who is now 20, said he was happy enough with the sentence, although he would have preferred if he had got life.

The young man said he hoped the publication of a report into the Health Service Executive's handling of the case would help other children.

He said it was a difficult process for everyone involved and he thanked the judge, jury, barristers, neighbours, friends and investigating gardaí.

His mother is already serving a seven-year sentence for incest with another son and the neglect of all six children.

The investigating sergeant paid tribute to the young man's courage, bravery and commitment in taking the case.

He said he hoped others who might find themselves in the same predicament would be encouraged to come forward.

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