Sentencing has been delayed in the case of a man who admitted a prolonged campaign of sexually abusing his daughter, after he sacked his lawyers just ahead of the case being dealt with.
The defendant, who is aged in his sixties but cannot be named at this stage to protect the victim, previously denied sexual activity with a child family member and sexually assaulting her on multiple occasions from February 2014 to December 2022, however, just before a trial was to get underway at Dungannon Crown Court, he changed his plea
Offending began when the child was aged under 13 and continued for many years, only coming to police attention following a third-party report of concern for her welfare.
A defence barrister previously requested the defendant to be remanded on continuing bail while pre-sentence reports are prepared.
At that point Sex Offender Registration was immediately required due to the convictions with the duration to be decided at sentencing.
That was scheduled for the most recent sitting, however, while prosecution counsel were ready to proceed the court was informed the defendant has sacked his lawyers and as such sentencing had to be adjourned.
New lawyers have just been engaged and they require some time to acquaint themselves with the case before proceeding.
There was some indication that the defendant may apply to vacate his guilty pleas, however, this was not elaborated on during the short hearing.
Judge Brian Sherrard remanded the defendant on continuing bail to return on March 31.
When the case first came to court in 2023, a detective constable explained officers spoke with the victim in response to the third-party report, during which she disclosed being sexually assaulted by her father numerous times from the age of 10.
While he refrained from this to a degree in recent years, he had kissed her fully on the lips the previous month.
She also recalled an incident of him filming her as she rode a horse when he allegedly commented: “It would be powerful to see you riding in your swimsuit.”
It was further reported she and her mother were forbidden from going anywhere and the daughter said she only went out occasionally on her horse.
During an incident shortly before the defendant’s arrest, it was contended he locked his daughter in a stable to prevent her leaving.
When arrested, the defendant lunged at an officer in the process.
He denied all allegations during the interview.
Opposing bail, the detective said the defendant had been assessed as high-risk and his wife and daughter were very vulnerable.
Both were extremely emotional and distressed when talking to police and “fearful (the defendant) could cause them serious harm”.
While confirming there is no previous record, the detective stressed: “This report came from a third party. Had that not been made we still may not be aware of these matters.”
A defence barrister said the defendant was “surprised to be arrested and denies all allegations”.
It was argued he was a candidate for bail, albeit accepted, an alternative address would have to be found.
Bail was rejected however, with the judge ruling the risks were too great.
The defendant was remanded in custody for a time but later released in very strict conditions by the High Court.
