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Aine Adams (third right), daughter of Liam Adams, leaves Belfast Crown Court after her father, the younger brother of Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, was found guilty of a string of child sex abuse charges. Paul Faith/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Adams Family
Gerry Adams asks for privacy following ‘difficult and distressing ordeal’
The Sinn Féin leader’s brother was found guilty of rape and sexual assault at a Belfast court earlier today.
Updated 10.45pm
SINN FÉIN LEADER Gerry Adams asked for his family’s right to space and privacy to be respected after his brother was found guilty of rape and sexual assault.
“This has been a difficult and distressing ordeal for all my family and for my niece Áine,” he said in a brief statement.
“I would ask the media to respect our right to space and privacy. I thank the many people who have sent messages of support and solidarity.”
Earlier today, Liam Adams was found guilty of raping and sexually abusing his eldest daughter more than 30 years ago.
A jury of nine men and three women reached a majority verdict of 11-1 today on three counts of rape, three counts of gross indecency and four counts of indecent assault.
The abuse took place between 1977 and 1983.
Áine Adams waived her right to anonymity. She said that she had made a complaint some years ago, but police officers were more interested in her uncle.
He will be sentenced by Judge Corinne Philpott in four weeks time. He was remanded in custody.
First published 7.45pm
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