Courts / Clare / Report
12-year jail sentence for double rape of school girl is upheld
Summary
Richard O'Mara, aged 33, was convicted of two counts of rape against a teenage schoolgirl at his sister's 18th birthday party in 2015. He received a 14‑year sentence with the final two years suspended by Ms Justice Tara Burns. O'Mara appealed to reduce the sentence, arguing it was too long, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal. Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh noted the appellant had few mitigating factors, no guilty plea, no remorse, and a heart condition, and that the suspended portion had already been considered. The court upheld the original sentence, stating it was within the judge's discretion and not unduly high. O'Mara's barrister argued for a greater reduction, citing his client's good character and lack of prior convictions, but the appeal was rejected. The case remains at the sentencing stage. Richard O'Mara pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 12-year jail sentence for double rape of school girl is upheld. 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 Incident
- 2022-03-23 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
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. In a written judgment issued by the Court of Appeal, O'Mara's appeal to have his sentence reduced has also been dismissed.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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