Courts / Dublin / Report

Serial rapist gets 18 years for attacks on escorts

Date
2024-07-29

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Aaron Barwell, aged 29, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with a two‑year suspended portion, for a series of violent sexual offences committed against three escort victims between January and August 2021. He pleaded guilty to one count of oral rape, one of rape and one of attempted rape. The court described the offences as "abysmal" and noted that Barwell had arranged for each victim to come to his residence, where he used violence, threats and a screwdriver to coerce sexual acts. He also faced a separate charge of possession of cocaine for sale or supply, for which he received a suspended sentence. The judge imposed four years of post‑release supervision, prohibited contact with the victims and required him to commit no further sexual offences. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes and the need for rehabilitation.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Serial rapist gets 18 years for attacks on escorts. Charges or matters: one count of oral rape, one of rape and one of attempted rape on dates between January and August 2021; a charge of possession of cocaine for sale or supply, for which he received a suspended sentence. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

August 2021 Adjournment
January 29, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
August 13, 2021 Incident
August 27 Incident
August 29 Adjournment
January 2021 Adjournment
2024-07-29 Publication

Case subjects

Aaron Barwell

Applicant

Charges: one count of oral rape, one of rape and one of attempted rape on dates between January and August 2021; a charge of possession of cocaine for sale or supply, for which he received a suspended sentence (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Imposing sentence today, Mr Justice Tony Hunt noted Barwell had "committed a series of violent sexual offences against women". Mr Justice Hunt handed Barwell a total sentence of 20 years, with the final two years suspended.; He has been remanded in custody since August 2021.