A Donegal man who had sex with a 14-year-old girl has been given a 10-year sentence at the Central Criminal Court.
Garda John Lavery said the man, who was known to the family, had arrived from Donegal to the home of the complainant and her mother to celebrate his birthday.
The 53-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to defilement of the girl on May 20, 2007 at her home.
“The girl’s mother went out to the shops and left the accused and her daughter in the house when the offence took place,” said Gda Lavery
Defence barrister Mr Bernard Condon SC, said the man, who was married at the time, had spent the weekend socialising and drinking in pubs and in the home of the complainant.
“He was going through a difficult time with his wife as their marriage was in the process of breaking down,” said Mr Condon.
“He has now separated from his wife and has apologised for the offence. He has shown a significant degree of remorse with his guilty plea,” said Mr Condon.
Mr Justice Paul Carney declared the man a sex offender and suspended the final four years of the sentence with strict conditions including staying away from the victim and undergoing five years post-release supervision.
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