Sex abuser ‘stole my childhood and ruined my life’

A woman has told the High Court how her life “was ruined” and her “childhood stolen” by a man who sexually abused her over a 10-year period.

Sinead McCarthy-Garofalo, aged 45, Palmerstown Wood, Dublin, has sued former accountant, Bernard Delaney, who she says began sexually abusing her when she was four years of age. The abuse occurred at various locations in Dublin between 1972 and 1982.

As a result of the abuse, Ms McCarthy-Garofalo says she has suffered from depression, alcoholism, and been unable to form meaningful relationships with other people. In her action seeking damages against Delaney, she claims she has suffered ongoing personal injuries as a result of the sexual abuse, assault and battery she suffered.