I will try to live fear-free, says victim

A stepfather was jailed for three and a half years yesterday for sexually assaulting his partner’s daughter from when she was aged 12 — getting into her bed each time with the words, “Push over, love.”

Injured party, Neidín Carroll, who is now 21, waived her right to anonymity as 43-year-old Colm Byrne of 125 Pearse Road, Ballyphehane, Cork, was sentenced to five years with the last 18 months suspended.