Monster dad's 10yrs for raping daughter

Judge hails incredibly strong victim after abuse from age 9

- EIMEAR DODD

A MAN who raped and sexually abused his young daughter a decade ago has been jailed for 10-and-a-half years.

Michael Carter, 55, was found guilty last month after a trial at the Central Criminal Court of one count of rape and 25 sample counts of sexual assault.

The assaults took place between June 2010 and June 2014, when Karen Harkin, who waived her anonymity, was aged between nine and 12 years old.

The court was previously told Carter of Kinnego, Ballymagan, Buncrana, Co Donegal, does not accept the verdict of the jury and maintains his innocence.

Ms Harkin's parents were separated, and the court heard the abuse occurred when she visited her dad's rented home.

Imposing sentence yesterday, Ms Justice Karen O'Connor said Carter took advantage of his position and abused her when he should have protected her.

She said there had been a "massive breach of trust" between a father and his daughter.