Courts / Ireland / Report

Teen (17) has detention for rape of young cousin deferred

Date
2022-07-14
Stage
Sentence

Summary

A 17-year-old accused admitted to one count of oral rape and one count of attempted oral rape of his younger cousin on a date unknown. The Central Criminal Court heard the offences occurred when the accused was aged between 12 and 14 and the victim was between eight and ten. The accused pleaded guilty, stating he was experimenting, though his narrative changed during a second interview in December 2021. A probation report indicated he was at low risk of reoffending but should not have unsupervised access to pre-pubescent children. Mr Justice McGrath, who had previously adjourned sentencing to allow the accused to prepare for his Leaving Certificate exams, stated that a period of detention was necessary. He sentenced the accused to two years in detention on each count, to run concurrently. However, the judge deferred the sentence for one year to allow the accused to engage with probation and other services. The accused must not offend during this period and must comply with directed services. Mr Justice McGrath noted that if the accused remains of good character and complies with the services, there is a likelihood that the detention period will be suspended. Conversely, failure to comply could result in detention of up to two years. The accused is currently awaiting his Leaving Certificate results.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Teen (17) has detention for rape of young cousin deferred. Charges or matters: one count of oral rape and one count of attempted oral rape of his younger cousin on a date unknown. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Unnamed accused

Accused

Charges: one count of oral rape and one count of attempted oral rape of his younger cousin on a date unknown (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Mr Justice McGrath said a period of detention was necessary and sentenced the accused to two years in detention on each count, to run concurrently. However, Mr Justice McGrath said if the accused remains of good character and complies with the services outlined, there is a likelihood that the detention period will be suspended.; Mr Justice McGrath had previously adjourned sentencing, so the accused could prepare for his Leaving Certificate exams, which he has now completed and is awaiting his results.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • The Central Criminal Court

Topics

Stage Sentence

Read the original CNI report

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