Uncle, 77, avoids jail for sexual abuse

A 77-year-old paedophile, who lured his six-year-old niece to his home with the promise of biscuits before sexually assaulting her, has walked free from court.

Judge Gerald Keys yesterday imposed a two-year suspended sentence on the west Clare man for the sexual abuse of two nieces.

The judge pointed to exceptional circumstances in the case, including the man’s age, his serious heart condition, and the fact that there were, in essence, only three offences.