JAMES ROSSITER'S SHOCKING CRIME IN HAROLD'S CROSS AND DUBLIN: STEP-DAD ABUSE REVEALED

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Harold’s Cross and the wider Dublin area, James Rossiter, aged 36, has been convicted of heinous sexual offenses against his step-daughter. The incident, which took place in his apartment in Harold’s Cross, has left a lasting scar on the young girl and has brought to light the devastating impact of abuse within a family setting.

According to court proceedings held at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Rossiter pleaded guilty to two counts of defilement of the girl, who was only 12 years old at the time. The offenses occurred on December 27, 2009, and January 2, 2010, within the confines of his apartment. The girl, now 14, bravely spoke out about her suffering, stating that her life and her family’s life have been torn apart by the trauma she endured.

During the hearing, Ms. Tara Burns BL, prosecuting, requested that the case be conducted openly in court so that Rossiter could be publicly identified, allowing the media to report his name. However, the court agreed to keep the girl’s identity confidential in reports to protect her privacy. Garda Eithne O’Flynn provided details about Rossiter’s personal circumstances, revealing that he was married but separated from the girl’s mother and resided in an apartment in Harold’s Cross.

Leading up to Christmas of 2009, arrangements were made for the girl and her brother to stay at Rossiter’s apartment from December 26, 2009, to January 2, 2010. The court heard that the three of them shared a bed during this period. On December 27, Rossiter began to inappropriately touch the girl, rubbing her lower back despite her repeated protests for him to stop. This escalation led to them kissing, and eventually, sexual intercourse occurred. Similar incidents recurred on January 2, 2010, while the girl was still in his apartment.

Following an argument between Rossiter and the girl, he threatened to tell her mother about their sexual relationship. In response, the girl took the drastic step of texting her mother to confess that she and her step-father had engaged in sexual activity. Gardaí were called to investigate, and Rossiter, who has a history of 12 previous convictions, made several admissions to the authorities. He claimed that his step-daughter had initiated the sexual encounters, a statement met with skepticism during the proceedings.

Rossiter’s background was also discussed in court, with defense counsel Mr. Paul McDermott SC highlighting his previous employment as a head chef at An Post and Heuston Train Station. The defense acknowledged Rossiter’s history of cocaine abuse and expressed remorse for his actions, emphasizing that he recognizes his wrongdoing and regrets the harm caused.

Judge Martin Nolan condemned Rossiter’s behavior, emphasizing the gravity of abusing a position of trust within a family. He stated, “Having sexual intercourse with his step-daughter is deeply inappropriate and what he did is totally wrong as a position of trust has been abused.” The judge also noted that Rossiter was at a low risk of re-offending and appeared remorseful for his actions.

In her victim impact statement, the young girl described her emotional turmoil and the devastating effects of the abuse. She revealed that she felt dirty and suicidal after losing her virginity to her step-father, even attempting to take her own life by slitting her wrists in front of her mother. She expressed feelings of guilt, believing she could have stopped the abuse, and shared her hope that Rossiter would “rot in hell.” Her words reflected the profound damage inflicted upon her and her family, and her desire for a better future free from the shadow of her step-father’s crimes.