Ireland Garda rape and child cruelty trial reaches closing stages
A 48-year-old man, a garda, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin on charges of raping his wife and of child cruelty towards two of his daughters, who are now 17 and 24. The alleged offending, on dates between 2007 and 2024, took place at two locations in the north-west where the family lived. After a file was sent to the DPP he was charged, and he has pleaded not guilty to the counts against him. As of 6 July 2026 the prosecution had closed its case and the defence said it would call no witnesses, so the trial continues before a jury and Mr Justice Sean Gillane.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court6 Jul
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A 48-year-old man, a garda, is on trial for raping his wife and for child cruelty towards two of his daughters.
- Where
- The alleged offending took place at two locations in the north-west of the country where the family lived.
- When
- The alleged offending is said to have happened on dates between 2007 and 2024, with the rape counts dated 2009 and 2021.
- Investigation
- A file was sent to the DPP, and a decision was subsequently made to charge the accused.
- Charges
- The accused has pleaded not guilty to two counts of raping his wife, on dates in 2009 and 2021.
- The accused has pleaded not guilty to one count of child cruelty against his now 17-year-old daughter, on dates between 2015 and 2024.
- The accused has pleaded not guilty to two counts of child cruelty against his now 24-year-old daughter, on unknown dates between 2007 and 2020, and denies assault causing harm to her on an unknown date in late 2021 to early 2022, after she turned 18.
- In court
- The trial is being held at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin before Mr Justice Sean Gillane and a jury.
- On 6 July 2026 the prosecution told the court that the State had reached the end of its case.
- The defence told the court it would not be calling any witnesses, and the trial continues.
- Other details
- All parties in the case have a statutory right to anonymity.
11 statements extracted from the articles
- whatA garda is on trial for raping his wife and child cruelty towards two of his daughters. (rte.ie)
- whereThe alleged offending took place at two locations in the north-west of the country. (rte.ie)
- investigationA file was sent to the DPP, and a decision was subsequently made to charge the accused. (rte.ie)
- chargeThe accused has pleaded not guilty to one count of child cruelty against his now 17-year-old daughter, on dates between 2015 and 2024. (rte.ie)
- chargeThe accused has pleaded not guilty to two counts of raping his wife, on dates in 2009 and 2021. (rte.ie)
- chargeThe accused has pleaded not guilty to two counts of child cruelty against his now 24-year-old daughter, on unknown dates between 2007 and 2020. (rte.ie)
- chargeThe accused denies assault causing harm to his 24-year-old daughter on an unknown date in late 2021 to early 2022, after she had turned 18. (rte.ie)
- courtThe trial is being held at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin. (rte.ie)
- courtThe prosecution told the court that the State had reached the end of its case. (rte.ie)
- courtThe defence told the court it would not be calling any witnesses. (rte.ie)
- courtThe trial continues before Mr Justice Sean Gillane and a jury. (rte.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 6 Jul2026Garda rape and child cruelty trial hears final evidence
Reports the trial at the Central Criminal Court reaching its final stages, with the prosecution closing its case and the defence calling no witnesses. Trial continues before a jury.
accused, 48, malevictim, femalevictim, 17, femalevictim, 24, female