Courts / Dublin / Report

Psychiatric history of predatory gamer rapist should have been considered, lawyers say

Date
2019-04-12

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Blanchardstown

County
Dublin

Summary

In 2017, Keith Hearne, aged 30, was sentenced to 12 years for raping Dominique Meehan at the ArcadeCon gaming convention. Hearne pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, one count of oral rape and one count of false imprisonment. The sentencing judge, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, noted the seriousness of the offence and the evidence of sadomasochistic items found at the scene. Hearne's defence argued that his psychiatric history – Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, dyslexia and bipolar disorder – and lack of prior convictions should have been considered as mitigating factors. The Court of Appeal heard that only one mitigating circumstance had been considered. The DPP maintained the sentence was proper and proportionate to the heinous nature of the crime. Meehan, 27, expressed relief at the sentence but said it was too light and that her life had changed dramatically since the assault.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Psychiatric history of predatory gamer rapist should have been considered, lawyers say. Charges or matters: two counts of rape, one count of oral rape and one count of falsely imprisoning Ms Meehan at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Blanchardstown on July 4, 2015; the offence. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

July 2015 Other
July 4, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
April 2017 Incident
June 2017 Incident
February 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
March 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
Monday, May 13 Hearing Or Sentence
2019-04-12 Publication

Why: At the time of Hearne's sentencing, Ms Meehan (27) said she wished to waive her right to anonymity in order to help more people come forward about sexual abuse. CNI source report

Case subjects

Dominique Meehan

Convicted Person

Charges: two counts of rape, one count of oral rape and one count of falsely imprisoning Ms Meehan at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Blanchardstown on July 4, 2015; the offence (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Keith Hearne

Defendant

Charges: two counts of rape, one count of oral rape and one count of falsely imprisoning Ms Meehan at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Blanchardstown on July 4, 2015; the offence (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She said Hearne could have easily received a sentence in excess of 15 years.