An 82-year-old man, who was found guilty of 66 charges including 61 counts of raping his daughter, will be sentenced next week.

The woman, who cannot be named, turned and faced her father while delivering her victim impact statement this afternoon and said he had robbed her of an innocent childhood.

The woman said she had been let down by many during her childhood, from family to outside agencies, but said it was now time to rebuild her life.

In an appeal to anyone else experiencing any form of abuse, she encouraged them to be brave, reach out and take one step to freedom and recovery.

Sergeant Trevor Ryan told today’s hearing the abuse covered by the charges started when the woman was 12.

Sgt Ryan said the accused had made admissions for the most part when first interviewed by Gardaí.

He was found unanimously guilty last Friday and will be sentenced by Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford next Friday.

Anglesea Street Courthouse, Cork City. Credit; David Creedon / Alamy Live News