An accountant who groomed and sexually abused a young girl over a five year period has been jailed for five years.

Owen O'Brien, 43, with an address at Eden Terrace, North Circular Road, Limerick pleaded guilty to six samples counts of sexually assaulting the girl who was aged six when the abuse started.

The offences, which happened "two or three times a week" took place at addressees in Limerick city on dates between January 1, 2002 and March 31, 2007.

Imposing sentence today, Judge Tom O'Donnell described the offences as vile and he said the defendant's actions were "cunning and pre-mediated".

He sentenced O’Brien to five years imprisonment and ordered that he remain under the supervision of the Probation Services for three years following his release.

O’Brien’s name was also placed on the register of sexual offenders indefinitely.