Courts / Ireland / Report
'I get it every day for free': case of doctor who raped wife 'defies belief'
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court sentencing, a 36‑year‑old Meath doctor was convicted of anal rape and false imprisonment of his wife on 14 February 2019. The wife reported the offence to Gardaí the same night, leaving the house with her baby and going to a local station. The doctor was arrested the following month and, during Gardaí interviews, claimed he did not rape his wife, saying "I get it every day for free" and that marriage implied blanket consent. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, noted the defendant's lack of understanding of consent and the extraordinary recklessness displayed. He imposed a nine‑year sentence, suspended the final year, and ordered strict conditions preventing contact with the wife, along with probation service engagement for two years after release. The judge also highlighted the domestic context and the defendant's failure to recognise the impact on his wife. The unnamed 36-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'I get it every day for free': case of doctor who raped wife 'defies belief'. Charges or matters: the offences. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- February 14, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-07-01 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: the offences (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; He imposed a sentence of nine years and suspended the final year of that sentence on strict conditions including that the man have no direct or indirect contact with the woman for an indefinite period unless she initiates it.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- straight to the local garda station
Topics
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request