Courts / Dublin / Report

Survivior of rape at hands of friend's husband says society's perceptions 'all wrong'

Date
2024-03-01

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a sentencing hearing at the Central Criminal Court, a woman gave a victim impact statement after being raped by Aidan Kestell, 55, the husband of a friend. She described the assault as an "atrocious attack" that left her a "waking corpse," causing anxiety, paranoia, nightmares and a loss of her former self. She said the rape ended her habit of walking home alone after nights out and that society's perceptions of sexual assault are "all wrong." She noted that Kestell had no prior convictions and that the crime involved an abuse of trust, premeditation and occurred in a public place near her home. The court heard that Kestell was remanded in custody pending a March 15 sentencing and that the case was being treated as a higher‑category offence by the DPP. The woman thanked the court, Gardaí, the prosecution and her family for their support.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Survivior of rape at hands of friend's husband says society's perceptions 'all wrong'. Charges or matters: rape after a four-day trial at the Central Criminal Court last month. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

September 6, 2019 Incident
March 15 Adjournment
2024-03-01 Publication

Why: She would "obsessively" check windows and doors were securely locked as she didn't feel safe because "this dangerous man" knew where she lived. CNI source report

Case subjects

Aidan Kestell

Defendant

Charges: rape after a four-day trial at the Central Criminal Court last month (Proven)

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; Today the woman said the hearing was an important step as it would close the "four-and-a-half year sentence I've served since the attack". "This part of my ordeal is over.; Mr Justice Hunt adjourned the case to March 15 for finalisation and remanded Kestell in custody until that date.