Courts / Wicklow / Report
Rape victim had to give evidence in court six times
Summary
A 49-year-old man from Co Wicklow was sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted by a jury at the Central Criminal Court of four counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault. The offences, which occurred between 1987 and 1989, involved the sexual abuse of a child who was approximately nine years old at the time. The defendant had pleaded not guilty to all charges. Mr Justice Michael White set a headline sentence of 11 years but reduced it to seven, citing the man's constructive life since the offending. The court noted the victim's exceptional courage, as she gave evidence six times across multiple trials, several of which collapsed due to witness unavailability or document issues before the final conviction in March. The judge ruled that an existing order preventing the publication of the victim's and the offender's names would remain in place. The victim, now a married mother, stated she came forward in 2013 to right a terrible wrong and finally achieved justice and closure. Defence counsel highlighted the defendant's good character and the impact a custodial sentence would have on his son with special needs.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Rape victim had to give evidence in court six times. Charges or matters: four counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault in Co Wicklow on dates between 1987 and 1989. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- May 2016 Incident
- March 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 1987 and 1989 Incident
- 2019-11-14 Publication
Why: The details of this hearing have not being reported until now because of issues around whether the press could identify the parties. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: four counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault in Co Wicklow on dates between 1987 and 1989 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; By Fiona Ferguson and Declan Brennan A rape victim gave evidence six times in court before the offender was finally convicted and subsequently jailed for seven years.
Places mentioned
Topics
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