A Wicklow man has been jailed for 11 years by Mr Justice Paul Carney at the Central Criminal Court for raping a young female neighbour over a long period of time.
Frank Stafford (57) single, Ballyclough, Kilbride pleaded guilty to 13 sample charges of rape, oral and anal rape, sexual assault and indecent assault from 1988 to 1997.
Mr Justice Carney imposed 11- year-sentences on each of six rape charges and four years on each of the remaining counts, all to run concurrently. He suspended the final 18 months of the rape sentences unconditionally in view of Stafford's early guilty plea.
Mr Justice Carney certified Stafford as a sex offender and directed that he undergo five years post-release supervision.
Garda Denis Reilly told prosecuting counsel Barry Hickson SC that Stafford committed his offences in the victim's home, in a nearby premises and in his car. She was aged from seven to 17 years while being abused and was 21 when she complained to gardaí.
Garda Reilly said she kept a diary in which she recounted details of the sexual abuses she suffered including one incident in his car during which he raped her twice and anally raped her after physically assaulting her to force her back into the vehicle when she tried to escape.
Garda Reilly said Stafford made limited admissions after his arrest and said he was sorry for his actions which had preyed on his mind. He agreed he had abused a position of trust and said he did not want to put the woman through a trial.
Stafford told gardaí he had an alcohol problem for which he needed treatment. Garda Reilly said he agreed that he took advantage of her and that he told her not to tell anyone. He also agreed he had given her money when he started abusing her so that she could buy sweets.
Adrian Mannering SC, defending, said Stafford was "a simple man who gave way to primordial urges".