Boy, 7, raped by father ‘wanted to die’

A child who was repeatedly raped by his father and locked in a box wanted to take his own life at the age of seven because of the abuse, a court has heard.

Yesterday, the Central Criminal Court heard a summary of what the prosecution called a “catalogue of horrors” which took place over a two-year period in the family home in Waterford.

Mr Justice Robert Eager remanded the father in custody until October 10, when he will finalise sentence.