A Co Tipperary man who raped, buggered and sexually abused two of his sisters from 1971 to 1983 has been jailed for five years by the Central Criminal Court.
Mr Justice Carney suspended the final four years in view of strong pleas by the two victims that he not be jailed and instead be allowed continue his therapy.
Mr Justice Carney issued a certificate for leave to appeal his sentence and remanded the defendant on continuing bail. He said that if the reason for suspending four years of the sentence was not reported it would be a misrepresentation of the court proceedings.
The court heard details of victim impact reports. One of them stated: "I don't hate my brother and I'm not seeking revenge, but he is ill and needs treatment". The second victim also stressed she wanted her brother treated and not incarcerated.
Mr Edward Comyn SC, prosecuting, described the case as another sad one of family sex assault. One of the victims was aged six to 12 years when it happened, and the other aged seven to 15 years.
The court was told the defendant had been buggered as a child by an older brother, who had since apologised.