Courts / Cork / Report

Man held woman down in park while another man raped her

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court case, Keith Aherne, aged 23, was found guilty of raping a woman in a Cork city park on 28 June 2013. The victim, who had been drinking with friends, fell asleep and was later held down by Aherne while another man raped her. Aherne denied the charge. The court heard that the other man, aged 22, had pleaded guilty but had died before sentencing. Aherne, who has 41 prior convictions including robbery, assault and drug possession, was remanded in custody and the case was adjourned to 29 May. The victim's impact statement, read by Garda Sergeant Katrine Tansley, described her post‑rape depression, hair‑pulling condition, loss of confidence and the distress caused by Aherne's actions. The court noted that Aherne attempted to comfort the victim after the assault, but the victim remained in tears. The case is set for sentencing later this month.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man held woman down in park while another man raped her. Charges or matters: raping the woman, was due to be sentenced today. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• June 28, 2013 Adjournment
• May 29 Adjournment
• 2017-05-15 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report