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”.