A Tipperary man who was described in court as “an animal” will be
sentenced today after pleading guilty to the rape and sexual abuse
of three children.
Seamus O'Neill from Ballnamona, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to rape,
indecent assault and sexual assault on dates between 1965 and 2000.
The abuse happened over a 35 year period against three members of
Seamus O'Neill's extended family.
The one male and 2 female relatives were all between 7 and 11 years old at the time.
The most recent case of abuse happened in 2000 against a young girl, who told her mother what was happening.
It was ten years before a complaint was made to gardaí because the family at the time were
worried about the shame it would bring on O'Neill's elderly mother.
All three victims have waived their right to anonymity so O'Neill could be named.
When the 66 year was arrested on September 23, 2010 he admitted to everything.
He has apologised to his victims through his lawyers and will have his sentence finalised today.