Courts / Ireland / Report
Sentencing of rapist adjourned after he contracts Covid
Summary
The Central Criminal Court adjourned the sentencing of a 31‑year‑old man convicted of 14 counts of rape, one count of harassment and three counts of threatening to kill or cause serious harm. The defendant, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, could not be named to protect the victim's anonymity. The offences occurred in August 2017 and on Christmas Eve 2016. Defending counsel Desmond Hayes BL informed Judge Paul Burns that the defendant had tested positive for Covid‑19 and was therefore absent. Judge Burns, initially concerned that the defendant might be "playing ducks and drakes," accepted the medical reason and allowed the defendant to remain on bail until February 2 for sentencing. He instructed the Garda to monitor the defendant's compliance with bail conditions, which include no contact with the victim, surrender of his passport, sobriety, and a daily curfew. Antonia Boyle BL, the prosecutor, expressed the complainant's desire for a swift resolution.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Sentencing of rapist adjourned after he contracts Covid. Charges or matters: 14 counts of rape, one of harassment and three of making threats to kill or cause serious harm; all the charges, cannot be named at this juncture to protect the anonymity of the victim. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- August 2017 Incident
- February 2 Adjournment
- Christmas Eve 2016 Incident
- 2022-01-19 Publication
Why: The case was listed for sentence today but defending counsel, Desmond Hayes BL, told trial judge Mr Justice Paul Burns that his client was not present because he has tested positive for Covid. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: 14 counts of rape, one of harassment and three of making threats to kill or cause serious harm; all the charges, cannot be named at this juncture to protect the anonymity of the victim (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; The sentence hearing for a man convicted of raping his former partner has been adjourned after the man's lawyers told the court that the defendant has contracted Covid.; The sentence hearing for a man convicted of raping his former partner has been adjourned after the man's lawyers told the court that the defendant has contracted Covid.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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