A Co Cork man who raped his daughter almost 20 years ago has been jailed for seven years by Mr Justice Carney at the Central Criminal Court.
Jeremiah Lynch (53), a labourer, from Friary Road, Kildorrery, pleaded guilty to two charges of rape on dates from 1979 to 1983, and to five further charges of indecent assault on dates from 1979 to 1983. Lynch's daughter said she wanted her father named in the media. Earlier, in a short, tearful statement, she told the judge her father had robbed her of her childhood innocence and she had grown up with low self-esteem and "riddled with guilt for something I wasn't guilty of'". She also attempted suicide and suffered depression. "Two years ago I walked into a Garda station and told my secret. It had been like a cancer with me until that," she said. "I hope his sentence will reflect what I have suffered."
Insp Patrick McCarthy said Lynch's family had been socially ostracised as a result of people learning about his offences. The victim was also now cut off from her family because of her revelations. Mr Justice Carney imposed concurrent three-year terms on the indecent assault charges and suspended the final two years of the rape sentence because of Lynch's early guilty plea. Inspt McCarthy said Lynch's offending began when his daughter was about eight. He would tell her she was not to tell his wife for fear she would leave the family. Lynch's actions eventually progressed to full sexual intercourse. He told gardaí he had slept with his sister when he was 13-years-old and thought this was quite normal.
Insp McCarthy said Lynch left a note at one time for his daughter saying he was sorry. He had been on disability pension for 20 years and had no previous convictions.
Mr Justice Carney sympathised with Lynch's wife and family.