Man who tried to abduct 11-year-old girl, but was stopped by her brother, to be sentenced today

A man who tried to abduct an 11-year-old girl in Co Laois is due to be sentenced today.

Last week, the court praised the bravery of her younger brother who managed to help her escape by clinging onto the man’s jeep.

On March 4 last, the girl was playing with her 10-year-old twin brothers on a quiet country road near the village of Cullahill in Co Laois when she was picked up by a man and bundled into his jeep.

The man then tried to drive off but one of her brothers jumped onto the moving jeep and tried to hit him.

The boy clung on to the jeep with his feet dangling off the ground and managed to distract the driver long enough for his sister to make her escape.

When the jeep slowed, the youngster got off the vehicle and initially continued his pursuit on foot. However, he returned home when he noticed his sister and brother running in the direction of a house.

Thirty-six-year-old Michael Martin (pictured) of Shandon Court, Yellow Road in Waterford City was arrested the following day following a major Garda operation that was greatly helped by descriptions given by the three children.

He admitted to stealing the jeep but "at no time during these interviews did he admit that it was he who attempted to abduct this child," the court was told.

Both girl and her brother later identified the defendant in two separate identity parades at Portlaoise Garda Station. Mr Martin pleaded guilty to false imprisonment in July.

The young boy who saved his sister was commended for his bravery at Portlaoise Circuit Court last week.

In court, Garda Anne Marie Deegan described the siblings as "exceptional children" and Mr Fennelly agreed that "they were obviously very courageous children" and he commended the "plucky" brother.

Mr Martin is due to be sentenced for false imprisonment today.