Killybegs woman in High Court seeking damages for abuse

A Killybegs woman who was raped and sexually abused as a child by her godfather has launched an action for damages in the High Court.
31 year-old Marcella Breslin from Emerald Drive has sued her 54 year-old godfather Patrick Gillespie of Carrrickmagrath, Ballbofey, as a result of the sexual abuse when she was aged 12 to 16 years of age.
Patrick Gillespie was jailed for ten years in 2008 with three years suspended after being convicted of rape and sexual assault.
Ms Breslin has claimed that between 1993-1997, he deliberately and knowingly perpetrated acts of sexual assault and sexual abuse on her in his home and also once in her grandmother’s house and in forest areas in the county.
Ms Breslin would stay in Gillespie’s house and was close to his wife, her aunt.
Gillespie, who is still in prison, was not represented in court.
It is claimed that as a result of the abuse,  Ms Breslin suffered personal injuries, loss and damage.
Opening the case before a jury, Ms Breslin’s Counsel Sasha Gayer said Gillespie was Ms Brelsin’s godfather and uncle law and in a position of trust.
The case before Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne and a jury continues.