The judge hearing the action by a woman who was sexually and physically abused by her father over years told her lawyers yesterday he would prefer if experts on child abuse examined the woman before they gave their opinions on her former mental state.
Yesterday was the ninth day of the action by Ms Sophia McColgan (27), formerly of Ballinacarrow, Ballymote, Co Sligo, against the North-Western Health Board and Dr Desmond Moran, of Stephen Street, Sligo. Three other members of her family have taken legal proceedings.
All four children were physically and sexually assaulted by their father, Joseph. The assaults began in the late 1970s and continued into the early 1990s. Joseph McColgan is currently serving a 12-year sentence. Both defendants are claiming the action by Ms Sophia McColgan is statute-barred (outside the legal time limit). They also deny negligence and breach of duty, and claim there was contributory negligence by other parties.
In court yesterday, Dr Alice Swann was called by Mr James Nugent SC, for Ms McColgan, to give her opinions based on a reading of transcripts in the case, including some of the medical evidence.
Dr Swann said she had read the transcript of the evidence given by Ms McColgan, her brother, Gerard, Dr Ivor Browne and other medical evidence. From the degree and severity of the abuse suffered, this was one of the most serious cases she knew of. The sexual abuse went on for many years, occurred within the family and involved severe physical punishment.
Mr Justice Johnson adjourned the hearing to allow counsel for both sides to present him with legal authorities for their arguments. The resumption of the case was further delayed because of a bomb scare in the Four Courts.
The case resumes today.
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