A former Dublin fireman has been jailed for five years for having a sexual relationship with an underage girl.

57-year-old Ron Tulie of Pinevalley Park, Rathfarnham first met the girl when she was just 16.

Ron Tulie, a married father of four with 30 unblemished years service with Dublin Fire Brigade held his head in his hands and wept as the judge handed down sentence.

The court heard he first met the girl in 2008 while teaching a first aid and fire safety course. She was just 16 years of age and fell in love with him.

On several occasions between June 1st and July 27th 2008, he admitted bringing her up the Dublin Mountains for sex, and never wore a condom.

The girl’s school principal contacted the HSE after hearing rumours about the relationship, and the Gardai got involved soon afterwards.

The girl thought she was in love with him, the court was told, but realised she was being used for sex when the relationship ended in 2009.

She said she became ill and her education suffered.

Judge Desmond Hogan described the abuse of trust as very severe and said he took advantage of her youth and innocence.

He then sentenced him to seven years with the final two suspended.