Courts / Offaly / Report
Man given five life sentences for rape must await appeal fate
Summary
Edward Piotrowski, a 48-year-old Polish man formerly of Edenderry, Co Offaly, must await the outcome of his appeal against his conviction for the rape and sexual assault of a woman. In January 2010, Mr Justice Peter Charleton sentenced Piotrowski to five concurrent life sentences after a Central Criminal Court jury convicted him of the November 25, 2007 attack. The life sentences were imposed on three counts of rape, one count of aggravated sexual assault, and one count of false imprisonment of the woman, all of which he had denied. Additionally, Piotrowski received concurrent terms of 10, five, and 10 years for aggravated burglary, assault, and false imprisonment of the victim's partner; he pleaded guilty to the assault charge but not guilty to the other two. All sentences were backdated to November 2007. At the Court of Criminal Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice Frank Clarke, counsel for Piotrowski argued that the trial judge erred in law regarding the presumption of innocence and the presentation of the defence case. The court also rejected Piotrowski's attempt to introduce new evidence, stating it would provide reasons for this decision later. The matter was adjourned as the court reserved its judgement on the appeal.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man given five life sentences for rape must await appeal fate. Charges or matters: the assault charge but not guilty to the false imprisonment and aggravated burglary. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- January 2010 Incident
- November 25, 2007 Incident
- November 2007 Incident
- 2014-01-27 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: the assault charge but not guilty to the false imprisonment and aggravated burglary (Proven)
Plea: Guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; In January 2010 Piotrowski, formerly of Edenderry Co Offaly, was sentenced to five concurrent life sentences by Mr Justice Peter Charleton after he was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury of the attack on November 25, 2007. The five life sentences, which Piotrowski is serving simultaneously, were imposed on three counts of rape, one count of aggravated sexual assault and one count of false imprisonment of the woman.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Burglary Stage Appeal Violent Crime
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