Courts / Westmeath / Report
Man who lured two girls away from party and told them he'd cut their parents' throats before repeatedly raping them, moves to appeal life sentence
Summary
In 2013, a 32‑year‑old man lured a nine‑year‑old and a six‑year‑old girl from a children's birthday party in Athlone, threatened to cut their parents' throats, and repeatedly raped them in a flat. He pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court and was sentenced to two life sentences by Mr Justice Paul Carney on 3 March 2014. On 14 November 2015 he moved to appeal the life sentences, arguing they were excessive. His barrister, Sean Gillane SC, acknowledged the "nightmarish aspects" of the case and noted the man's full admissions and early plea. The appeal was filed on the basis that the single set of offences might be viewed differently, but the court was instructed to reserve judgment and deliberate further. The appeal remains pending.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who lured two girls away from party and told them he'd cut their parents' throats before repeatedly raping them, moves to appeal life sentence. Charges or matters: raping the nine and six year old girls in a flat in Athlone on September 28, 2013. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- September 28, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 3, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-11-14 Publication
Why: Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Patrick McGrath SC, said the man was submitting that because it was a single set of transactions, it somehow put the offence in a different category. Prosecution account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: raping the nine and six year old girls in a flat in Athlone on September 28, 2013 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: A man who lured two girls away from a children's birthday party and told them he would cut their parents' throats before repeatedly raping them has moved to appeal his life sentence.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Supreme Court
- Court of Appeal
- before he left the Garda station
Topics
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