Irish woman abused by brother hits out at justice system

“I wasn’t surprised, because we see the sentencing that happens in this country,” she says.

“But at the same time when I had heard that there was no expression of regret or remorse, I was thinking maybe he’ll get an actual sentence that he’ll have to serve.”

Miriam says that such sentences add to the myriad of reasons sex abuse survivors do not come forward.

“This is the reason why people don't report,” she says.

Since going public on social media about her case, she says she has received hundreds of messages from all over Ireland from people who said they did not report their own abuse due to the Irish legal system.

“These are silent victims. There’s no stats including them.”

During his trial, Gerald Henry had two character references, from his wife and his father-in-law.

Both were read out after Miriam’s victim impact statement, something she says was traumatic.

“You give your victim impact statement, your most private thoughts that you’ve had your whole life about this abuse, and it’s very emotional,” she says.

“It’s very upsetting,” she adds.

“It’s also kind of liberating, because like you’re saying all the things that you’ve probably only ever discussed in therapy.

“Then this barrister stands up and reads out glowing praise of your abuser.”

As of 18 July, people who give character references for sexual offenders can now be cross-examined in court, this however, was too late for Miriam.