A man who repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted his niece over a prolonged period has been jailed for 12 years.
Michael Poole of Bowbridge, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, had been charged with 49 courts of rape and sexual assault of his niece, Lisa Brown, on dates between 1980 and 1988, when she was aged between seven and 14.
He had pleaded guilty to 27 counts of indecent assaults and had denied the rape charges, but was found guilty unanimously by a jury at a trial earlier this year.
Lisa Brown, who waived her right to anonymity, listened into the sentence hearing via video link this morning.
Mr Justice Patrick McGrath described the abuse as "horrific", perpetuated by a person in a position of trust.
He also said Lisa Brown had previously attempted to bring the matter to gardaí on two occasions, but had been met with a very cold response for which he apologised on behalf of the system.
The Central Criminal Court heard that Poole was born with a Thalidomide birth defect.
Mr Justice Patrick McGrath also referred to Ms Brown’s victim impact report which was previously delivered in court. He said it was very powerful, as she described her continuing shame, fear and confusion she had suffered.
He said there was no doubt that she had suffered greatly as a result of the "appalling series" of rapes.
The court had heard how most of the abuse took place in the family home and how Poole had told Ms Brown that her father would go to prison if she told anyone.
At the conclusion of today’s sentencing hearing, Mr Justice McGrath commended Ms Brown for her strength and persistence in obtaining justice and wished her well for the future.
