Courts / Monaghan / Report
Rapist has sentence increased following DPP appeal
Summary
A man has had his sentence increased following an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions on grounds of undue leniency. Aurelijus Kizelavicius, aged 23, of Knocktornagh, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, pleaded guilty to rape and assault causing harm to a woman on 29 March 2015. The Central Criminal Court heard the woman had accepted a late-night lift from Kizelavicius after becoming stranded in Monaghan town. Upon reaching her home, he attacked her with repeated punches to the face before sexually assaulting her. Mr Justice Paul Butler originally imposed a five-year sentence with the final two years suspended in April 2018. The Court of Appeal today increased the custodial term to seven years with the final two suspended. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy described the offence as a serious rape involving significant additional violence. She noted the victim sustained facial injuries and referenced adverse probation reports and disciplinary breaches in custody. The court also heard the man has agreed to participate in a sex offenders programme.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Rapist has sentence increased following DPP appeal. Charges or matters: rape and assault causing harm to the woman at a location in the county on March 29, 2015. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- March 29, 2015 Incident
- April 30, 2018 Incident
- 2019-11-11 Publication
Why: The court heard that the woman invited Kizelavicius in for a cup of tea because she thought it was nice of him to have given her the lift. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: rape and assault causing harm to the woman at a location in the county on March 29, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice Paul Butler sentenced Kizelavicius to seven years imprisonment with the final two suspended on April 30, 2018. She said Kizelavicius had pleaded guilty, although it was not an early plea, and had made a late expression remorse, one-and-a-half years after the sentence was imposed.
Places mentioned
- The Central Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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