Dublin: A 89-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the repeated sexual abuse of a young girl over a five-year period in the 1990s. Sid Green, of Kennedy Park, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, was convicted on 22 counts of sexually abusing a child aged between seven and 12. The abuse took place between 1993 and 1998.
The sentencing was handed down by Justice McGrath at the Central Criminal Court. Green’s sentence will commence on July 10, 2025. In delivering the verdict, the judge initially imposed a 16-year prison term, later reducing it to 15 years, with the final five years suspended due to Green’s advanced age and medical condition.
The court heard that Green, who moved to Ireland from the UK, is currently resident in a nursing home in Offaly, where he remains under constant medical care. He is bedridden, requires full-time nursing assistance, and cannot sit up without support. The sentencing hearing was conducted via video link from the facility, where Green was on bail.
During the trial, the defence highlighted Green’s poor health, lack of prior convictions, and cooperation with the Gardaí. It was argued that a custodial sentence would be equivalent to a life term given his age and medical needs. However, the court determined that the gravity of the offences warranted a custodial sentence, stating that the age or health of the accused should not diminish the seriousness of the crimes.
The victim, who waived her right to anonymity in relation to naming the offender, came forward with a formal complaint in 2020. Green denied the allegations but was charged in 2022 and subsequently found guilty following a trial in Tullamore earlier this year.
Horrible crime
According to Justice Patrick McGrath, Green committed horrible atrocities. He committed rape whenever he could. The court noticed that he had expressed no remorse. Justice McGrath highlighted the deep wounds the crime had left in the woman’s life. Justice McGrath applauded the woman’s tremendous resilience and strength in appearing in court and giving evidence. The woman was able to proceed with the case because of the great support she received from her husband and parents.
Abuse from the age of seven
The woman said he had been abusing her since she was seven years old. Green was 57 at the time. Whenever he had the opportunity, he raped her. He kept doing this until she was twelve years old. She was taken to mental health centres and a rape crisis centre. She finally got the strength to report the abuse to the Gardai after telling her family about it.
In court, she revealed the psychological and emotional damage his brutality had done to both her personal and family live.
I was depressed. The recollections tormented me. I was very isolated. I sought refuge in drugs and alcohol to temporarily escape. However, it was disastrous. It created a huge barrier between me and my loved ones.
She said that the long-term effects of the abuse are still ongoing. I am especially grateful to my husband for his support in pursuing the case.
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