Katie 
The sexual assaults, which had been taking place since December 2017 only came to light in May 2019 when the young girl became upset one day and told her mother that her cousin had touched her.
The girl was between the 8 and 9-years-old and her cousin at the time, was between 13 and 14-years-old.
The gardaí were called and an investigation into the allegations was opened.
During a witness impact statement that the girl's father read during proceedings on January 26 stated that during a medical examination by the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, his daughter was clearly upset and suffered "blind panic attacks filled with terror."
Suddenly, in light of the allegations, the "erosion" he had seen in his daughter's sense of "fun and confidence" made sense. She had been groomed by an "evil monster."
Also during the statement, he thanked the gardaí and the CARI foundation for their assistance and support. CARI is a charity that provides child centered therapy and support and parental support for those impacted by sexual abuse as well as other services such as training and advocacy.
He also expressed his disgust at the "chronic lack of Government funding" provided to CARI and blamed it for the fact that his daughter had to wait 15 months before being able to get an appointment.
Brendan Greham SC, one of the lawyers for the accused stated during the hearing that there is "an epidemic in it's own right of young boys accessing pornography and then acting it out in inappropriate ways."
His client is said to have admitted as much.
When confronted by his parents about the allegations, he is said to have responded by saying, "I'm guilty, I'm a pedophile and the guards should just lock me up." He was so distraught that he is said to have made an attempt to stab himself in the stomach.
His lawyers explained to the Central Criminal Court that a Probation Services assessment had identified that viewing adult pornography on his cell phone at a young age was what set the wheels in motion and brought about the rape of his cousin.
In speaking with child specialist interviewers, the girl told them that he would force her to engage in sexual acts telling her, "you have to, there's no way of getting out of it," and that he acted "horrible" towards her. She additionally told the investigators, "I'm really angry with him but I still love him."
The teen, who has not been identified since he is a minor, has pleaded guilty to rape, sexual assault, and causing a child to watch sexual activity.
Justice Michael White adjourned sentencing to February 23 in order to consider the evidence and professional reports that were submitted during the proceedings.
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