Courts / Dublin / Report

7.5 years for rapist who gave 'preposterous' account after claiming wife's friend sexually assaulted him

Date
2024-03-15

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A 55‑year‑old man, Aidan Kestell, was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for raping a woman at Hartstown Park, Dublin, on 6 September 2019. The victim, who was a friend of the accused's wife, was walking home from a party when Kestell allegedly forced himself on her after she performed non‑consensual oral sex on him. Kestell denied the offence, claimed a consensual encounter, and later admitted to telling lies to Gardaí. He was convicted after a four‑day trial at the Central Criminal Court. Judge Tony Hunt imposed a headline sentence of nine years, reduced to eight years with the final six months suspended, and ordered Kestell to remain in good behaviour for three years post‑release and to have no contact with the victim or her family. The victim's impact statement described severe anxiety, paranoia, and lasting trauma, and she thanked the court for giving her a chance to move forward.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 7.5 years for rapist who gave 'preposterous' account after claiming wife's friend sexually assaulted him. 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
2024-03-15 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

Applicant

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

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; Mr Justice Hunt reduced the sentence to eight years and suspended the final six months.; Mr Justice Hunt adjourned the case to March 15 for finalisation and remanded Kestell in custody until that date.