79 year old Thomas Howard appeared before Tullamore District Court yesterday.
A high profile former GAA referee is facing a jail sentence after pleading guilty to indecently assaulting his niece when she was a child.
79 year old Thomas Howard of Old Kilcullen, County Kildare, appeared before Tullamore District Court for sentencing yesterday.
During the course of the trial, the court heard details of how he manipulated and coerced Maeve Leahy in the mid 80s, and 1990s.
46 year old Ms Leahy, who is waiving her right to anonymity to name her abuser, said she came forward because the years of abuse were "destroying her".
The Irish Independent is reporting Mr Howard pleaded guilty to a number of charges relating to assault and coercement over a ten year period.
In her victim impact statement, Ms Leahy told the court his words twisted her understanding of the world and stained her innocence.
She said his actions had torn her family apart but she was taking a stand for "little Maeve", if she didn't speak her truth, she would be dead.
In mitigation, the defence pointed to a written letter of apology, the guilty plea, the absence of previous convictions, and Mr Howard's advanced age.
The 79 year old was the referee for the four game series between Meath and Dublin in 1991, as well as the All Ireland Football Final between Derry and Cork in 1993.
Judge Sinead McMullen told his legal team they can expect a custodial sentence, and remanded him on continuing bail until November 13th at Portlaoise District Court where he will receive his sentence.
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