Lawyers for the parents, who cannot be identified to protect the identity of the child, said examinations of the child since their first trial have proven that the girl was not subjected to FGM at all.

She was convicted and sentenced to three months on both counts, fully suspended for a period of two years

The Central Criminal Court heard that the man was in a relationship with the mother of the children and was the biological father of the younger two children.

The judge highlighted that there was a "callousness" in how the child was treated by his father

David Daly (37), of Castle Park, Dooradoyle, Limerick, was described in court as a cruel and 'evil' man who beat and ridiculed three children

Imposing a six-year sentence on Thursday, Mr Justice David Keane said the facts of this case were “heartbreaking and deeply disturbing”.