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Husband does not accept verdict that he raped his wife, court hears
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 45‑year‑old Laois man was found guilty of raping his wife on 8 January 2015. He had previously pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. During sentencing, he denied the rape verdict, claiming the woman had consented after being physically assaulted. The court heard that the attack began when the wife refused to hold his hand on the couch, leading him to punch her face and then force her into sex. The wife's victim impact statement described the assault as more traumatic than the rape, stating she felt like a ghost and had moved to a new home. The judge noted the jury's unanimous guilty verdict and the woman's profound shock. The case was adjourned for sentencing on 20 December. The defendant had no prior convictions and was described as remorseful.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Husband does not accept verdict that he raped his wife, court hears. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to her by punching her repeatedly in the face prior to raping her. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 8, 2015 Incident
- December 20 Incident
- 2016-12-12 Publication
Why: The man told gardaí he "flipped" because the woman accused him of being "needy" and he felt she implied he didn't know how to attract women. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm to her by punching her repeatedly in the face prior to raping her (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: His sentence hearing was told today that he does not accept the rape guilty verdict.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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