A woman who suffered "appalling abuse" from a man when she was a young child, was raped and assaulted by a garda sergeant in whom she confided, the High Court has been told.
Joanne Quinn, who is 41 and from Castlebar in Mayo, is suing retired Detective Sergeant Justin Clarke for damages.
The sergeant, who was stationed in Castlebar, denies the allegations and said he had a short, consensual relationship with Ms Quinn.
The High Court jury was told Ms Quinn revealed her abuse in 2000. She had had a troubled adolescence, during which she harmed herself and had a drink problem.
The court was told she went to Detective Sergeant Clarke as he was a figure of authority and she felt he was someone she could confide in.
Senior Counsel Martin Giblin said Sergeant Clarke took a very long statement from Ms Quinn, which needed several sessions to complete.
He said the sergeant began to visit her at night and to contact her by telephone.
The court heard he bought her presents and began to make lurid suggestions to her, including suggestions that they go away for weekends together.
Mr Giblin told the jury that matters reached a very serious stage on New Year's Eve 2002 when Sergeant Clarke raped Ms Quinn. He said the sergeant had his legal firearm with him on that night.
The court was told Sergeant Clarke's attentions persisted after this and he tried to persuade Ms Quinn to go away with him.
Mr Giblin said her family felt betrayed by Sergeant Clarke.
He said the sergeant had betrayed the trust placed in him by Ms Quinn and by the community.
Mr Giblin said the sergeant's behaviour fell far below the standards required of a police officer in any civilised state.
He said the jury would have to decide if Ms Quinn consented to the overtures made by the sergeant and consented to the sexual activity that took place between them.
Counsel said they would hear medical evidence that she was in no position to consent.
He said that when the jury had heard the evidence they would know that what happened was unlawful.
Mr Giblin said Ms Quinn was trying to stand up for herself and ask a group of her fellow citizens to vindicate her and to record that what was done to her was terrible and unlawful.
Sergeant Clarke denies any wrongdoing and claims he had a short-term, consensual relationship with Ms Quinn.
He also claims she made unfounded complaints against other people and that she is not a reliable person.
The prosecution of the man who abused Ms Quinn as a child did not go ahead as the man took successful judicial review proceedings.
Ms Quinn's action will continue tomorrow.
