A west Belfast man who sexually abused two members of the same family can be named after his victims waived their right to anonymity.
Patrick Toal, formerly of Tollgate House in Bradbury Place, was jailed yesterday for the "prolonged and persistant" offending.
Toal was found guilty earlier this year of 29 separate counts of sexually abusing his partner's daughter, and also her grand-daughter over a period of 19 years.
The 71-year old, who despite the convictions continues to maintain his innocence, was handed an extended 12 year sentence by Judge Stephen Fowler for the protection of the public.
Toal will spend a further three years on licence upon release. He was also made the subject of an Sexual Offences Prevention Order for an indefinite period.
Passing sentence, Judge Fowler said that Toal's actions left both victims suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Telling Belfast Crown Court that Toal preyed on the two when they were vulnerable young girls and that grooming was involved, the judge highlighted the fact that Toal had displayed no insight into the significant harm he had caused.
During the trial earlier this year, the jury heard Toal first targeted his partner's daughter in the family home when she was 12, before turning his attentions to his partner's granddaughter when she was seven.
She too was abused in the west Belfast home and also at a caravan in Newcastle during a family holiday.
Toal's offending began in 1992 and only ended in 2013 when his victims went to police.
Judge Fowler said that it was clear both victims suffered significantly and described the offending as being at the "upper end of the spectrum".
At an earlier court hearing, defence barrister Charles McKay QC spoke of Toal's ill health which includes limited eyesight and shotgun injuries to his knee which present a risk of arthritis - the result of a paramilitary shooting in February 2013.
Judge Fowler acknowledged Toal's health issues and the fact he had a clear criminal record. However, he said the Probation Board had assessed the pensioner as presenting a significant risk to the public.
Speaking afterwards, the victims said they felt justice had been served.
The 35-year old, who was first targeted by Toal after he plied her with vodka following an epileptic fit aged 12, revealed the abuse continued into her adulthood.
"That man took away my childhood and my adulthood, he stole such a big chunk of my life. This has consumed me every day of my life for so long," she said.
"He really is a horrible, foul, vile man. Everybody thought he was a lovely man - but I'm so glad he's locked up now."
Her niece, who is now 18, believes what happened to her triggered her epilepsy. She is repeating a year at school, due in part to the stress of the trial, but hopes to go to university next year.
"I was seven when it started, and I loved him. It stopped when I was nine, but it started again when I was 12. Most of it happened when I was at my granny's house and he was looking after me.
"I was so young when it started. He told me it was normal and he was an adult, so I believed him. When I was seven, I didn't know any better.
"He got away with it for so long, but it's over now."
Also welcoming today's sentencing was Detective Inspector Patricia Higgins from the PSNI's Public Protection Branch.
"This has been a difficult ordeal for these victims and I would like to praise them for their courage in coming forward," she said.
