A 45-year-old Co Waterford man who sexually assaulted his six-year-old niece on two occasions while babysitting has been sentenced to three years imprisonment at Waterford Circuit Court.
The separated father-of-two, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault on the girl at her home on dates between June 1st and September 30th, 1999.
The court was told by State barrister, Mr Tom Teehan, that the man regularly babysat for his brother and partner who lived nearby. The abuse first came to light when the girl's mother noted changes when bathing the child.
The abuse consisted of inappropriate touching and digital penetration. Since the incident, the girl who is now nine, has become introverted and is "clinging" and requires counselling.
Defence barrister, Mr Robert O'Neill, said his client couldn't explain why he did what he did. There was an element of alcohol involved, he said, that might go some way towards explaining the crimes.
The court also heard how the unemployed defendant had been ostracised by his family since the offences came to light.
It was also alleged that he had been assaulted but did not press charges.
Judge Michael O'Shea said there were aggravating factors in the case. The man was the child's uncle and in a position of trust that he took advantage of in a "terrifying and outrageous manner", he said. In mitigation, Judge O'Shea noted the guilty plea which saved the girl and her family the trauma of a full hearing.
He suspended the last 18 months of the three year sentence on the basis that the man would enter a bond to be of good behaviour for three years and to keep away from the victim and her home following his release from custody. The judge also ordered that the man's name be entered on the register of sex offenders.