Courts / Ireland / Report
"Brutal predatory rape": man jailed for 1983 attack on teen sister-in-law
Summary
In a 2018 sentencing hearing, a Laois woman whose brother‑in‑law was convicted of raping her in 1983 was heard as a survivor, not a victim. She described herself as a 15‑year‑old with no knowledge of sex when the 59‑year‑old man raped her at his home. The court found the offence a "brutal predatory rape" and sentenced him to nine years, suspending the final three and a half years because of his lack of prior convictions and failing health. The woman had disclosed the rape to family, a doctor and a charity function in 2014, after which she received a defamation threat from the accused. She testified in detail, noting the lasting impact on her confidence, self‑esteem and sleep, and the court acknowledged the offence's damage to her developing personality. The judge emphasised that true rehabilitation requires acknowledgement of the wrong done. The unnamed 15-year-old pleaded not guilty and was acquitted.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Brutal predatory rape": man jailed for 1983 attack on teen sister-in-law. Charges or matters: raping the then teenager at his home on a date between October 1983 and July 1984; the offence following a trial in May; two further counts of sexual assault of the same woman and was acquitted of these charges. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Acquitted
When:
- October 1983 Incident
- July 1984 Incident
- 2018-07-30 Publication
Why: He said because of the elapsed time, the person convicted before the court was not same person as in 1983. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: raping the then teenager at his home on a date between October 1983 and July 1984; the offence following a trial in May; two further counts of sexual assault of the same woman and was acquitted of these charges (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Acquitted
Outcome: Acquitted; A Laois woman whose brother-in-law has been jailed for raping her 35 years ago while she was "an innocent and naive" teenager has stated that she is a survivor and not a victim. Today Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy sentenced the man to nine years with the final three and a half years suspended for what she described as a "brutal predatory rape".
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Sentence
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