Roscommon Man Convicted Of Raping Babysitter

A 58-year-old man has been convicted of raping a babysitter more than two decades ago.

The jury, who returned an 11-1 majority verdict on day five of the trail at the Central Criminal Court, found the Roscommon man guilty, on one count of rape and three counts of indecent assault.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had pleaded not guilty to one charge of raping the woman and 29 charges of indecent assault. However, Mr Justice O'Higgins withdrew 26 of the charges from the jury at the end of the prosecution case.

The now 36-year-old victim told the court she was sexually assaulted from the age of seven by the man who raped her when she was 11-years-old and staying in his house after baby-sitting.

The man, who gave evidence in his own defence, said the allegations against him were untrue. "I never went near her," he said.

Detective Sergeant John Hynes told the court that when interviewed after his arrest on March 15, 2005 the man told gardaí he had nothing to be remorseful for when it was suggested "you could get it off your chest" by admitting her claims.

"If I done all those things you have written down from her, I would be remorseful," he said.

Mr Justice Kevin O'Higgins remanded him in custody and told him he will face "a lengthy sentence". He also directed that he be placed on the register of sex offenders.

(VB)