Ex-RTE cameraman gets 12mths jail for abusing stepdaughter

Victim sexually assaulted.in her bedroom at age of 16

- EIMEAR DODD

A RETIRED RTE cameraman who sexually assaulted his teenage stepdaughter 30 years ago in an “egregious breach of trust” was jailed yesterday. 

Tony Byrne was found guilty by a jury last month of attacking Donna McCarthy, then Byrne, at her family home in Dublin in May 10, 1992.

She previously waived her right to anonymity to allow the 66-year-old predator to be named.

Finalising the sentence yesterday, Judge Elma Sheahan noted that while Byrne denied the charge, gave evidence and instructed counsel during the trial, he now accepts the verdict and has offered an apology to his stepdaughter.

She said she hoped Ms McCarthy receives “some measure of comfort” from her father’s acceptance of the verdict and apology “even at this late stage”.

Referring to the victim impact statement, Judge Sheahan said the survivor had “suffered above and beyond the assault itself ” and “feels the loss of her close family”.