A man who tried to abduct an 11-year-old girl in Co. Laois in March is due to be sentenced today.

Last week, the court praised the bravery of her younger brother who managed to help her escape by clinging onto the man’s jeep.

On March 4th last, the girl was playing with her 10-year-old twin brothers on a quiet country road near the village of Cullahill in Co. Laois when she was picked up by a man and bundled into his jeep.

The man then tried to drive off but not before one of her brothers jumped onto the moving jeep. He clung onto it with his feet dangling off the ground and managed to distract the driver long enough for his sister to make her escape.

36-year-old Michael Martin of Shandon Court, Yellow Road in Waterford City was arrested the following day following a major Garda operation that was greatly helped by descriptions given by the three children.

The young boy who saved his sister was commended for his bravery at Portlaoise Circuit Court last week.
Mr. Martin is due to be sentenced for false imprisonment today.