Courts / Clare / Report
Conviction for twice raping schoolgirl upheld
Summary
In 2015, Richard O'Mara, aged 32, raped a 17‑year‑old schoolgirl twice at his sister's 18th birthday party in County Clare. The first assault occurred in a field behind the house; the second took place on a couch inside the house after the party. The victim, who was terrified of seeing O'Mara again, stayed in her bedroom for two months and reported severe physical and psychological trauma. O'Mara pleaded not guilty but was found guilty by a Central Criminal Court jury in April 2019. He was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended on strict conditions. In June 2019, the Court of Appeal dismissed O'Mara's appeal, upholding the conviction and confirming that the evidence and investigative procedures met the required legal standards. No further sentence changes were announced.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Conviction for twice raping schoolgirl upheld. Charges or matters: both counts of rape at Ballymulcashel, Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare but was found guilty on both charges by a Central Criminal Court jury in April 2019 after a two-and-a-half-week trial. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- October 18, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2021-09-27 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: both counts of rape at Ballymulcashel, Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare but was found guilty on both charges by a Central Criminal Court jury in April 2019 after a two-and-a-half-week trial (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Richard O'Mara (32) formerly of Walnut Avenue, Kingswood, Tallaght, Dublin 24, was jailed for twice raping the teenager on October 18, 2015. In June 2019, Ms Justice Burns sentenced O'Mara to 14 years' imprisonment but suspended the final two years on strict conditions.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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