Courts / Louth / Report
Rapist has "very seriously inadequate" six-year sentence doubled
Summary
In December 2014 the Court of Appeal doubled a six‑year sentence that had been imposed on Christopher Farrell, a 30‑year‑old from Drogheda, for two rape offences committed on 16 September 2007. Farrell had pleaded not guilty but was convicted by a jury of rape, oral rape, attempted rape and false imprisonment of one woman and sexual assault of another. He had 26 prior convictions, including assault. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing the sentence was "undue leniency" and that aggravating factors had been ignored. The Court of Appeal quashed the concurrent six‑year sentences and imposed a new 12‑year sentence for the two rape counts, describing the original sentence as "very seriously inadequate.".
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Rapist has "very seriously inadequate" six-year sentence doubled. Charges or matters: the offences and was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury of the attacks. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- October 2011 Incident
- September 16, 2007 Incident
- 2014-12-17 Publication
Why: As she was walking, Farrell pulled up and offered her a lift which she accepted because she was tired. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: the offences and was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury of the attacks (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Christopher Farrell (30) had concurrent sentences totalling six years imposed on him by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan for the rape, oral rape, attempted rape and false imprisonment of one woman and the sexual assault of another on September 16, 2007 at two locations in Co Louth. The Director of Public Prosecutions had today appealed against the sentence imposed on Farrell on the grounds of "undue leniency".
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Central Criminal Court
- I'll drive
Topics
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