Garda who verbally and emotionally abused daughters on continuing bail ahead of sentence

A serving member of An Garda Síochána, who has been suspended since December 2024, is awaiting sentencing for child cruelty and assault causing harm against his two daughters. The 48-year-old man was acquitted of raping his wife but convicted on all charges concerning his daughters. The court heard that cruelty offenses against his older daughter occurred between 2007 and 2020, with an assault causing harm happening between late 2021 and early 2022. Cruelty against his younger daughter took place between 2015 and 2024. The man, who has no prior convictions, accepted the jury's verdicts and has completed a parenting course. His defense counsel stated the conviction would significantly impact his career. The judge acknowledged the father's public acknowledgment of guilt as an important development but noted the case was fully contested. Victim impact statements detailed severe emotional and mental health consequences for the daughters, including anxiety, depression, and grief. They expressed fears about future contact and the continuation of trouble. Sentencing is scheduled for October, pending further reports.

“

That is a very important development, that he now publicly acknowledges that these children were telling the truth.