Man pleads guilty to rape and sexual assault of 11-year-old cousin
A teenager's sexual abuse of his young cousin has had a "life-altering affect" on his victim, a court has heard.The boy was 11 years old when he was sexually abused over a period of months by his cousin who was aged between 15 and 16 years old during the offending. The abuse ended when the victim's younger brother told their mother what was happening.In his victim impact statement, the complainant told the Central Criminal Court that his life had changed dramatically since the abuse. He said he has been diagnosed with PTSD, social anxiety and depression, which makes everyday life difficult.He also outlined the ongoing impacts of the abuse on his health, stress levels and education.He said he had been very social prior to the offending, but now has a small social circle and a fear of staying overnight in anyone else's home. He said the abuse had impacted his confidence and opportunities in life, as well as the way he sees himself.He said his whole family had been affected by the trauma and he has few happy memories since that time. He described how he bears mental scars and said that the abuse had stolen part of his childhood.The now 20-year-old defendant pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to eight counts of sexual assault and one count of anal rape of the child on dates between January and August 2021. He has no previous convictions.A prosecuting garda told Eilis Brennan SC, prosecuting, that the offending occurred at the young boy's home while his older cousin was staying. The victim's younger brother told their mother about their cousin coming into the room the boys shared.The mother asked the victim about this and he disclosed what had been happening. He said that over a period of months, the accused had been touching his bottom in his bedroom and on the final occasion had anally raped him.The boys were spoken to by specialist interviewers and outlined the details of the abuse. The victim said the abuse had made him upset. He said he felt angry and felt that it was his fault.The defendant was also spoken to and denied any wrongdoing. He later pleaded guilty to the offences and the injured party did not have to give evidence.Ms Justice Melanie Greally adjourned the sentencing hearing until March 2, 2026 when a probation report will be available and a plea in mitigation will be head from the defence legal team.
