An Englishman living in Co Louth who orally raped and had sexual intercourse with a young female neighbour has been jailed for eight years by Mr Justice Roderick Murphy at the Central Criminal Court.
George Kerr (58), of Callystown, Clogherhead, a native of Liverpool, was convicted on March 3rd on eight charges of oral rape, unlawful carnal knowledge and sexual assault.
Mr Justice Murphy said the court would deal with Kerr in a way that demonstrated society's revulsion at his behaviour and the breach of trust involved.
"The court must disapprove of these most reprehensible offences on a girl aged from nine to just under 16 years.
"This has been a traumatic experience for her and her family who were betrayed by someone who was a family friend."
The judge, who certified Kerr as a registered sex offender and also directed indefinite post-release supervision, said despite having to face a third trial, the victim had given evidence in a clear way that showed resilience.
Kerr was convicted unanimously on two charges of oral rape, and one each of unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under 15 years, and of a girl over 15 and under 17 on February 9th, 1997.
The jury also found him guilty on four counts of sexual assault. It found him not guilty of one charge each of indecent assault and oral rape, and disagreed on two further unlawful carnal knowledge counts.
Mr Justice Murphy imposed eight-year terms on the oral rape charges. He imposed concurrent terms of four years and three years respectively on the unlawful carnal knowledge counts, and three years on the sexual assault charges.