Courts / Laois / Report

Survivor tells court that rapist's apology is 'disingenuous'

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Ivan Kelly, aged 17 at the time of the offence, was sentenced to four years and nine months' imprisonment, with the final nine months suspended on strict conditions. The judge noted the rape involved force, the victim's distress from Kelly's extradition, and his 27 prior convictions. Mitigating factors included his youth, personal circumstances and fatherhood. The court imposed a prohibition on any contact with the victim. The victim, who was 23 when she was raped, described the offender's apology letter as "disingenuous" and said he showed no remorse during the trial. She detailed the assault, her subsequent physical injuries, emotional trauma, drug use and the lasting impact on her life. The sentencing hearing was conducted by Mr Justice Michael MacGrath. The sentence was back‑dated to Kelly's entry into custody on 29 June 2022. Ivan Kelly pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Survivor tells court that rapist's apology is 'disingenuous'. Charges or matters: the rape in a midlands town on December 27, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

• December 27, 2017 Incident
• June 29, 2022 Incident
• 2024-02-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report