Courts / Wexford / Report

"No hesitation" in dismissing appeal of rapist who "boasted" about attack

Date
2019-03-01
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Wexford
County
Wexford

Summary

The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal of a 20‑year‑old man who, as a 16‑year‑old, boasted about raping a 15‑year‑old girl at a house party in Co. Wexford. He had pleaded not guilty to rape on 24 July 2014 and was tried as an adult after a two‑year delay. A jury found him guilty and he was sentenced to five years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. The appeal was brought by the defendant and the Director of Public Prosecutions, who argued the sentence was too severe and too lenient respectively. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice George Birmingham, found significant aggravating factors, including the victim's vulnerable, drunken state and the defendant's planning and persistence. The court upheld the sentence and dismissed both appeals, noting the defendant's age and the seriousness of the offence. The decision was made on 23 October 2017.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "No hesitation" in dismissing appeal of rapist who "boasted" about attack. Charges or matters: rape at a house in Co Wexford on July 24, 2014, when he was aged 16. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

Why: Ms Walley said the accused had pushed "this myth" that the injured party was the instigator or was "somehow to be blamed because she wasn't able to control herself" due to her intoxication. CNI source report

Case subjects

Unnamed 15-year-old

Convicted Person

Charges: rape at a house in Co Wexford on July 24, 2014, when he was aged 16 (Proven)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Found guilty

Outcome: Found guilty; He was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to five years imprisonment with the final two suspended by Mr Justice Paul McDermott on October 23, 2017.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Court of Appeal
  • The Central Criminal Court
Incident

Topics

Stage Appeal

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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