Courts / Dublin / Report

Lack of sentencing guidelines in rape cases "somewhat bizarre", judge says

Summary

During sentencing, Ms Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh described the absence of sentencing guidelines for rape cases as "somewhat bizarre". She imposed a five‑year prison term on Christopher Redmond, aged 74, after a jury conviction for four rapes and five sexual assaults of his granddaughter between 2002 and 2004 at the Tolka Valley pitch and putt club. Redmond, who works at the club, denied the charges but was found guilty in February. The judge had originally set a headline sentence of 15 years, reduced to ten years due to no prior offences and his age, and further to five years because of his progressive cognitive impairment, which a forensic psychiatrist confirmed was genuine. The judge noted that the Supreme Court requires an immediate custodial sentence for rape, yet no specific sentencing figures exist, making the practice "highly unregulated". The victim, now 23, had waived anonymity and testified about the abuse, describing severe physical and psychological harm.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Lack of sentencing guidelines in rape cases "somewhat bizarre", judge says. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

• January 2002 Incident
• 2018-04-27 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

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Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report