Courts / Tipperary / Report
Victim of rape by stud farm worker describes feeling 'like a prisoner' in her own life
Summary
A 26‑year‑old woman, who was raped by Tadgh Lonergan at a house party in Tipperary, delivered a victim impact statement at his sentencing hearing. She said the assault left her feeling "like a prisoner" in her own life, describing severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, flashbacks, nightmares and a loss of confidence. She noted that the rape disrupted her teaching career, her plans to travel and her sense of security, and that her loved ones also suffered. She urged the judge to consider the lasting effect of the crime and to help her regain her former self. Judge Tony Hunt acknowledged her statement, noted the seriousness of the offence, and remanded Lonergan in custody until the sentencing date on 29 July. The judge also highlighted that Lonergan had no prior convictions and that the case had been a "perfectly normal night out" turned tragic. Tadgh Lonergan pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Victim of rape by stud farm worker describes feeling 'like a prisoner' in her own life. Charges or matters: rape at a house in Tipperary on June 6, 2021. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- June 6, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 29 Adjournment
- June 29, 2021 Incident
- 2024-07-08 Publication
Why: Mr Justice Hunt told the woman that he often notes that other people in her position, when they deliver a victim impact statement, speak of a determination to get on with their lives because "otherwise that gives the person who did the wrong to them the win". CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: rape at a house in Tipperary on June 6, 2021 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Mr Justice Hunt remanded Lonergan in continuing custody until July 29 next for sentence. The judge referred to a sentence hearing that he dealt with last week and how in news reports of that case, reference was made to testimonials from employers and potential employment for convicted persons in the future. "In cases such as this (Lonergan's case) – I don't have any option nor do I want any option but to impose an immediate custodial sentence," Mr Justice Hunt said, adding that the case the earlier one had been compared to was a Circuit Criminal Court case rather than a rape sentence in the Central Criminal Court.; Mr Justice Hunt remanded Lonergan in continuing custody until July 29 next for sentence.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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