Courts / Galway / Report

Man raped then-partner as infant lay in bed beside her

Date
2023-10-23

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Galway

County
Galway

Summary

In a case heard in the Central Criminal Court, a 41‑year‑old man was convicted of raping his then‑partner in County Galway on 17 November 2019. The assault occurred while the woman's eight‑month‑old baby slept beside her in the bed. The victim, who suffered significant mental health issues, reported the crime to emergency services after the defendant, who had been drinking vodka, entered the bed and forced himself upon her. Three audio recordings of the incident were presented to the jury. The defendant denied the offence and continued to deny it after conviction. Justice Karen O'Connor sentenced him to six years' imprisonment, noting the victim's vulnerability and the presence of a child as aggravating factors. The case was prosecuted by Gerardine Small, SC, and the defendant's defence counsel highlighted his religious background and language difficulties. The victim's impact statement described the lasting emotional trauma of the night.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man raped then-partner as infant lay in bed beside her. Charges or matters: one count of rape which occurred in Co Galway on November 17, 2019, by a jury in August 2023. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty

When: