Courts / Clare / Report
12-year sentence for double rape of schoolgirl 'very severe', lawyers argue
Summary
In a Court of Appeal hearing on 25 January 2022, the lawyers for Richard O'Mara, aged 33, argued that the 12‑year custodial sentence handed down by Ms Justice Tara Burns for two counts of rape was "very severe". O'Mara had been convicted in April 2019 by a jury at the Central Criminal Court for raping a teenage schoolgirl twice at an 18th birthday party in County Clare. The first assault occurred in a field near the party venue, the second inside the house after guests had left. O'Mara's appeal focuses on the lack of violence or force in the field rape and the absence of mitigating factors, citing his prior good character and lack of previous convictions. The Director of Public Prosecutions maintained that the sentence was appropriate, noting the victim's injuries, the pre‑meditated nature of the first rape, and the violence and humiliation inflicted during both assaults. Richard O'Mara pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 12-year sentence for double rape of schoolgirl 'very severe', lawyers argue. Charges or matters: two counts of rape at Ballymulcashel, Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, on October 18, 2015; both counts by a jury at the Central Criminal Court following a trial in April 2019 and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment with the final two years suspended by Ms Justice Tara Burns. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- October 18, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-01-25 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: two counts of rape at Ballymulcashel, Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, on October 18, 2015; both counts by a jury at the Central Criminal Court following a trial in April 2019 and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment with the final two years suspended by Ms Justice Tara Burns (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: However, he was convicted of both counts by a jury at the Central Criminal Court following a trial in April 2019 and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment with the final two years suspended by Ms Justice Tara Burns. O'Mara has launched an appeal against the length of his sentence after previously losing a bid to have the conviction quashed.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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