A Tipperary man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for the rape and sexual abuse of three children.
The victims were three members of his extended family and were aged between 7 and 11 years old with the abuse taking place over a 35 year period.
66 year old Seamus O’Neill from Ballynamona, Newcastle pleaded guilty to rape, indecent assault and sexual assault of the children on a number of dates between 1965 and 2000.
All three victims waived their right to anonymity so O’Neill could be named.
Mr Justice Paul Carney suspended six years of this sentence after noting the accused’s guilty plea, his lack of previous convictions and his full admissions.
Judge Carney ordered O’Neill to enter into a bond of €1,000 and to stay away from the victims. He also ordered him to undergo 18 months post release supervision.
