Galway farmer to be sentenced in July for sexual abuse of young nephew

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A Galway farmer is to be sentenced in July for the sexual abuse of his young nephew as he helped him with farmyard tasks.

The 53-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect his nephew’s identity, pleaded guilty to sexual assault and oral rape at a rural location on dates between 1989 and 1996.

The abuse took place at the house, in the farm yard, outbuildings or a caravan when the victim was between five and thirteen years old.

The accused’s nephew, now aged 39, told his uncle that he should have been his protecter, but instead had taken his childhood and life away from him.

He described how he had been put through a “horrendous childhood” and had his life completely turned inside out.

He said his uncle had taken him along on jobs he loved like checking the cows and now believed he had been grooming him.

The complainant did not feel able to report the abuse while his grandparents were alive as it would cause them pain, but following their deaths he made a report to gardai.

His uncle was arrested and interviewed, during which he denied the offences – but he later entered guilty pleas.

Ms Justice Eileen Creedon adjourned sentencing until July to allow reports be finalised.