Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 5682Child sexual abuse

Munster abuse trial: State appeals family members' sentences as too lenient

Between August 2014 and April 2016, a father aged 59, a mother aged 37 and an uncle aged 51 were convicted over the sexual abuse and exploitation of young children, including a girl and her two brothers, who were aged five, six and seven when the offences began. In January 2022 Mr Justice Paul McDermott at the Central Criminal Court sentenced the father and uncle to 15 years each and the mother to nine years. In June 2024 the Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the sentences, with the State arguing they were too lenient, and the Court of Appeal reserved judgment.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court13 Jun
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
When
The offences occurred between August 2014 and April 2016.
What happened
The offences involved the rape and sexual exploitation of young children, including a girl and her two brothers, aged five, six and seven when the offences began.
Other details
  • The father, aged 59, was convicted of rape, sexual exploitation, sexual assault and child cruelty.
  • The mother, aged 37, was convicted of sexual assault, sexual exploitation and child cruelty.
  • The uncle, aged 51, was convicted of rape, sexual assault and sexual exploitation.
  • The children have been taken into care by the State.
  • Reporting restrictions set by the trial judge remain in place.
Where
The sentencing took place at the Central Criminal Court.
Sentence
  • In January 2022 Mr Justice Paul McDermott sentenced the father to 15 years in prison.
  • The mother was sentenced to nine years in prison.
  • The uncle was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
  • A headline sentence of 16 years was set for the father and uncle.
In court
  • The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the sentences, and the State argues they were too lenient.
  • The Court of Appeal heard the appeals in June 2024 and reserved judgment.
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatSentences of nine to 15 years were imposed on three family members in the Munster abuse trial. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe offences occurred between August 2014 and April 2016. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe State argues the sentences were too lenient. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe appeals were brought before the Court of Appeal on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe Court of Appeal reserved judgment. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe father was convicted of rape, sexual exploitation, sexual assault and child cruelty. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe father was sentenced to 15 years in prison. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe mother was convicted of sexual assault, sexual exploitation and child cruelty. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe mother was sentenced to nine years in prison. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe uncle was convicted of rape, sexual assault and sexual exploitation. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe uncle was sentenced to 15 years in prison. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceA headline sentence of 16 years was set for the father and uncle. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe court heard the children have been taken into care by the State. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherReporting restrictions set by the trial judge remain in place. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 13 Jun2024
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Munster abuse trial: Sentences imposed on family members too lenient, State argues

    Court of Appeal hearing on the DPP's appeals against the sentences of the father, mother and uncle, all convicted in January 2022. The court reserved judgment.

    convicted, 59, maleconvicted, 37, femaleconvicted, 51, male