Courts / Dublin / Report

'It doesn't make me feel anything': rapist (29) claimed he didn't know age of girl (13)

Date
2023-05-02
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 2 May 2023, 29‑year‑old Michael O'Reilly pleaded guilty to raping a 13‑year‑old girl in Dublin on 11 April 2021. He claimed in a letter to the victim that he "honestly did not know" her age and expressed shame and disgust. The court heard that the victim had been sexually assaulted after a teenage boy had finished consensual sex with her. O'Reilly allegedly forced the girl to the ground, removed her clothing and raped her. CCTV footage of the victim's upset reaction was shown to O'Reilly, who denied any involvement. He was remanded in custody until 10 July for finalisation of the case. The teenage boy was charged with engaging in a sexual act with a child but the charge was later withdrawn. No prior sexual convictions were recorded for O'Reilly, though he had convictions for assault, theft and burglary.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'It doesn't make me feel anything': rapist (29) claimed he didn't know age of girl (13). Charges or matters: rape at a place in Dublin on April 11, 2021. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Unnamed 29-year-old

Defendant

Charges: rape at a place in Dublin on April 11, 2021 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: At a sentence hearing today, Detective Garda Darragh McNally told Fergal Foley BL, prosecuting, that a 17-year-old boy who the victim knew had contacted her on Snapchat and asked her if she could meet up for "feeking", a "colloquial term for sexual intercourse".; After hearing evidence, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon adjourned the case to July 10th for finalisation.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • The Central Criminal court
  • Central Criminal Court
Residence
Secondary Mention

Topics

Burglary Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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