Jail for neighbour who repeatedly raped young girl

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 (aged 57), single, of Ballyclough, Kilbride pleaded guilty to a total of 13 sample charges of rape, oral and anal rape, sexual assault and indecent assault on dates 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 concurrent. He suspended the final 18 months of the rape sentences unconditionally in view of Stafford’s early guilty plea.

Mr Justice Carney also certified Stafford as a sex offender and directed that he undergo five years post-release supervision.

Garda Denis Reilly told prosecuting counsel, Mr Barry Hickson SC, that Stafford committed his offences in the victim’s home, in another 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 Stafford began abusing her by touching her vagina and placing her hand on his penis and this continued she was 11 years old when he first raped her while her parents were out of the house.

The victim kept a diary in which she recounted details of the sexual abuses she suffered and especially of 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 from him.

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 didn’t want to put the victim through a trial.

Stafford told gardaí he had an alcoholic problem for which he needed treatment. He told gardaí: "I just played around with her. She never said she didn’t want to do it."

Garda Reilly said Stafford agreed with gardaí 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.

Mr Adrian Mannering SC, defending, said Stafford was "a simple man who gave way to primordial urges".