Courts / Dublin / Report

Convicted rapist is removed from court as he calls victim a "filthy prostitute"

Date
2016-11-28

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

During a sentence hearing at the Central Criminal Court, Richard O'Brien, 57, was removed after repeatedly interrupting proceedings, attempting to sack his barrister and calling the victim a "filthy prostitute." O'Brien, convicted of rape, attempted rape, false imprisonment and assault causing harm, had lured the victim—a grandmother in her fifties—to a caravan in Dublin on 19 March 2011, where he raped, assaulted and bit her. He fled to the UK and was extradited in 2013. The victim, who cannot be named, described the attack as lasting for a long time, ending when two men entered the caravan and stopped O'Brien. She was later taken to a sexual assault treatment unit and gave a victim impact statement about nightmares, relationship breakdown and suicidal thoughts. The judge adjourned sentencing to 12 December, noting O'Brien's disruptive court behaviour and difficulty restraining himself. The hearing continued with his defence barrister, Damien Colgan SC, after O'Brien was removed. The case remains pending sentencing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Convicted rapist is removed from court as he calls victim a "filthy prostitute". Charges or matters: rape; attempted rape; false imprisonment; assault causing harm. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty

When: