Courts / Galway / Report
Paramedic who raped vulnerable woman is jailed for 8.5 years
Summary
John Joseph Devaney, aged 65, was convicted of rape and indecent assault against a 24‑year‑old deaf woman in 1985. The offence occurred in a rural caravan between September and November 1985. Devaney, a paramedic, denies the verdict and maintains his innocence. The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, described feeling scared, sick, dirty, confused, embarrassed and sad. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, imposed a sentence of eight years and six months for rape and six years for indecent assault, with both sentences running concurrently and back‑dated to his entry into custody in January. Devaney's work history and lack of prior sexual convictions were noted as mitigating factors, but no guilty plea was entered. The victim's impact statement highlighted the severe impact on her independence and psychological well‑being. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court in December 2023 and the sentence was announced on 12 April 2024.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Paramedic who raped vulnerable woman is jailed for 8.5 years. Charges or matters: rape and indecent assault following a trial at the Central Criminal Court last December. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- October 1985 Incident
- November 1985 Incident
- 2024-04-12 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: rape and indecent assault following a trial at the Central Criminal Court last December (Proven)
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Ms Justice O'Connor handed Devaney a sentence of eight years and six months in relation to the rape charge. She also imposed a sentence of six years on the indecent assault charge, with both sentences to run concurrently and to be backdated to when he entered custody in January.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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