Courts / Kerry / Report

"The stuff of nightmares": 13-year sentence upheld for man who twice raped woman (73) after breaking into her home

Summary

Anthony Hussey, 27, from Ardshillane, Sneem, Co Kerry, was sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment for twice raping a 73‑year‑old woman after breaking into her home on 20 September 2014. He pleaded guilty to two categories of rape at the Central Criminal Court. The sentence included five years of post‑release supervision. Hussey appealed against the severity of the sentence, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal. Justice John Hedigan described the offence as one of the most serious cases of rape before the court, noting that Hussey had placed the victim's hand over her mouth, struck her face, threatened her with further rape, and left her covered with a duvet. The judge highlighted the extraordinary impact on the victim and the "constellation of aggravation" that justified the severe sentence. Hussey had no prior convictions and was described as well‑adjusted and popular in his community before the offence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "The stuff of nightmares": 13-year sentence upheld for man who twice raped woman (73) after breaking into her home. Charges or matters: two categories of rape. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• September 20, 2014 Incident
• July 25, 2016 Incident
• 2018-07-02 Publication

Why: Mr Bowman accepted that it was difficult to find an adjective to describe the assaults but "simply because the offensive was so offensive, doesn't mean you take a separate approach to sentencing". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

Related court reports

• Kerry man who twice raped 73-year-old woman is jailed for 13 years
• "I can't stop screaming inside": Kerry man raped 74-year-old woman after breaking in to her home

Read the original CNI report