Courts / Dublin / Report
Man admits raping woman during busy gaming convention
Summary
In a 2015 incident at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Blanchardstown, a 28‑year‑old man named Keith Hearne tied up and raped a 24‑year‑old woman who was volunteering at the ArcadeCon gaming convention. Hearne threatened her with a prop knife, bound her hands with a tie, and forced her to submit to sexual assault. He was arrested on the scene after a conference worker entered the room with a key card. Hearne pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, one count of oral rape and one count of false imprisonment. He also admitted to possessing a bag containing a prop knife, handcuffs, condoms, a mask and sadomasochistic items, which was found at the scene. The Central Criminal Court adjourned sentencing to June 19 to obtain further medical reports. The victim, who has suffered ongoing depression, PTSD, self‑harm and suicidal thoughts, has chosen to waive her anonymity.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man admits raping woman during busy gaming convention. Charges or matters: two counts of rape, one count of oral rape and one count of falsely imprisoning the woman at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Blanchardstown on July 4, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 4, 2015 Adjournment
- June 19 Adjournment
- 2017-04-24 Publication
Why: " "He may go to prison, but I'm already there because of what he did," she said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two counts of rape, one count of oral rape and one count of falsely imprisoning the woman at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Blanchardstown on July 4, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy adjourned the sentence to June 19 to get further medical reports.; Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy adjourned the sentence to June 19 to get further medical reports.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Related court reports
- Murderer argues he was 'out of control' following Christmas Eve steakhouse shooting
- State drops all charges against double killer Derek Boyd's partner
- Driver who switched off headlights in effort to evade gardai fails in sentence appeal
- Derek Boyd now a double killer as jury finds him of guilty of murder
- Murder accused's previous conviction for manslaughter of sister can only be used if relevant, judge charges jury
- Not a 'shred of evidence' that Derek Boyd's girlfriend knew nature of injury to deceased man, defence tell trial
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request