GALWAY PENSIONER TAKES STAND IN SEX ABUSE TRIAL

Date Published: 07-May-2008

A 69 years old Co. Galway pensioner who is charged with sexually abusing his neighbour’s children in the 1980’s, told the jury at his trial today that the children made up the allegations He said they wanted to ruin him because of rumours circulating at the time that he had been having an affair with their mother.The man, who may not be named for legal reasons, denies 27 charges of indecently assaulting a 10 year old girl on 25 occasions and her 9 year old sister on two occasionsThe alleged offences took place over an 18-month period from April, 1987 to June, 1989.The accused said the girls, who are now aged 30 and 31, blamed him for the break-up of their parent’s marriage. The accused said he and the children’s mother had been “very friendly” in the late 1980’s, but he denied they ever had a sexual relationship. The girl’s mother broke down while giving evidence at the trial today. The trial continues tomorrow.