A woman whose father raped and sexually abused her as a young girl has described his seven year sentence as "a good outcome".

46 year old Rita Broderick, who now lives in Denver, Colorado, waived her right to anonymity so her father could be named in the media.

77 year old James Broderick of Lyster Street, Athlone, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to sample charges which included three rapes and three indecent assaults in the family home in Athlone on dates between January 1983 and September 1984.

The abuse began when she was four years old and the family lived in Manchester. It continued when they moved to Athlone in Westmeath when she was 13 years old and ended when, as 15-year-old, she lashed out and ran from the house.

Mr Justice Hunt imposed a 15 year jail term with eight years suspended.

Speaking outside the court, Rita Broderick said the abuse had ruined her life, stolen her childhood and left her struggling with mental health problems.