Courts / Limerick / Report

Male model jailed for raping college student

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 12 June 2023, a 25‑year‑old former male model, Utseoritselaju Uwatse, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for raping a fellow college student. The victim, who waived anonymity, testified that the offence occurred after a night out in Limerick following a student‑village celebration. CCTV showed Uwatse and the victim hugging before she was taken to a bedroom where he forced sex, claiming it was consensual. She reported that he asked if she was on the pill and that the condom broke. Uwatse was arrested in June 2018 and denied the allegations. The judge, Mr Justice Paul Burns, imposed a headline sentence of four years, noting Uwatse's lack of prior convictions and his "promising future." The court heard the victim's impact statement describing the lasting damage and her feelings of guilt. Uwatse's defence highlighted his background, cooperation with Gardaí, and lack of family in Ireland. The sentence was accepted by the court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Male model jailed for raping college student. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• April 20, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 2018 Incident
• 2023-06-12 Publication

Why: The injured party waived her anonymity in order to name Uwatse. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report