Courts / Sligo / Report
Gardai rescued woman from Tinder rapist after telling her to hang towel from balcony
Summary
Christopher Feeney (58) was found guilty at the Central Criminal Court of rape and sexual assault following a trial last September. The offences occurred at his home in Millbrook, Riverside, Sligo on 26 April 2015. The victim, then aged 54, met Feeney through a dating application and accompanied him to his apartment. During an assault lasting approximately one hour, the woman was pinned down and raped. She managed to contact gardaí, who instructed her to hang a towel from the balcony to identify his location. Officers arrived shortly thereafter and arrested Feeney. He was convicted on four counts, including rape and sexual assault, though the jury could not agree on a false imprisonment charge. Mr Justice David Keane indicated an intention to impose a nine-year sentence, with a portion potentially suspended pending a Probation Services report. The matter was adjourned for finalisation on 28 March 2022. Feeney, who had fled Ireland and was subsequently arrested in the UK in 2019, has remained in custody since his return. Christopher Feeney pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Gardai rescued woman from Tinder rapist after telling her to hang towel from balcony. Charges or matters: one count of rape, one count of oral rape, two counts of sexually assaulting the woman and one count of false imprisonment. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- April 26, 2015 Incident
- March 28 Adjournment
- 2021-12-20 Publication
Why: The judge noted that Feeney has shown no remorse, made no amends and has not embarked on any rehabilitation because he continues to deny his crimes. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: one count of rape, one count of oral rape, two counts of sexually assaulting the woman and one count of false imprisonment (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Mr Justice Keane at Feeney's sentence hearing today said that he intends to hand down a nine-year sentence. He indicated that a portion of this sentence may be suspended pending a Probation Services report.; As a result, he adjourned the matter for finalisation on March 28 next year.
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