Abuser appeals 18-year sentence for repeated rape of girl

A man from County Clare has lodged an appeal against an 18-year prison sentence imposed following his guilty plea to rape and sexual assault of a child spanning three years between 2009 and 2012. The Central Criminal Court convicted the 26-year-old on sample counts in 2015, with the sentence comprising a custodial term and a five-year suspended element. During proceedings at the Court of Appeal, the appellant's…