A THREE YEAR OLD girl who was sexually assaulted by a 28 year old man had become very aggressive and now trusted no one but her mother, Dundalk Circuit Court heard yesterday. The man admitted sexually assaulting the girl between March 1st, 1995, and April 30th, 1995.
Sgt Joe Grennan said the girl's parents called to Drogheda Garda station on May 8th, 1994, and said they were concerned that the accused man was sexually interfering with their daughter.
The child - referred to in court as L - was referred to a consultant paediatrician, who found physical evidence consistent with a history of anal abuse.
Defence counsel, Mr Derek Kenneally, said his client had expressed considerable remorse and since the incident had described himself as being suicidal. He had spent a week in a psychiatric hospital.
Mr Kenneally said the defendant had since separated from his wife and had been rejected by his family, with the exception of one brother. He had also received several threats. In one incident, counsel said, a number of people had forced their way into his brother's flat looking for him. He believed that his life was in danger.
A letter from L's mother outlining the effects of the incident on her was handed to Judge Patrick Smith. He remanded the defendant in custody for sentencing at Trim Circuit Court on January 19th.