A retired postal worker has been jailed for eight years for the sexual abuse of a 12-year-old girl more than four decades ago.
72-year-old Tom Hassett, of Auburn Heights in Athlone, county Westmeath has was convicted of two counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault committed between 1981 and 1982.
The Central Criminal Court heard Hassett, who also worked in a local taxi business, was in his late twenties when he abused the girl over a period of around a year.
She reported the abuse to Gardaí in 2021.
While Hassett can be identified, the woman wishes to retain her anonymity.
Hassett was known to the complainant, and she visited his home.
Hassett denied the allegations when interviewed and has continued to maintain his innocence.
In a victim impact statement, the victim said the abuse had followed her through childhood, adulthood, parenthood, and into the present day.
She told the court she has experienced nightmares, panic attacks, anxiety and depression, and said reporting the abuse forced her to relive experiences she had spent decades trying to manage.
She thanked the judge, DPP and jury, saying the guilty verdict confirmed that what happened to her was wrong and that she had finally been heard.
Sentencing, Mr Justice David Keane praised the woman's bravery and dignity throughout the trial.
He described the offences as "repeated, deplorable crimes" involving a serious breach of trust against a vulnerable child, and said the abuse had caused very considerable and enduring harm.
The judge set a headline sentence of 12 years but reduced it to eight, taking into account Hassett's age, ill health and previous good character.
He also ordered two years of post-release supervision.
