Waterford man and woman deny four-year sexual abuse of son that allegedly started when he was five

A Waterford man and woman sexually abused and exploited their son when he was aged between five and nine, it has been alleged at the Central Criminal Court.

The father of the boy is also accused of raping him, including with a poker, over the four year period. The parents deny the charges and told gardaí that the boy was a “difficult child” who had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and behavioural problems.