Courts / Cork / Report
'It's just sex': convicted stalker raped woman in broad daylight even as locals shouted at him to stop
Summary
Wayne Higgins, 27, was convicted of raping a woman in Cork city on 28 August 2019. The victim, who was intoxicated, had asked Higgins to escort her to a bus stop after drinking with him. While stopped in a laneway, Higgins raped her in broad daylight. Neighbours shouted at him and threatened to call the Gardaí, but he replied, "It's just sex," and fled. The victim later testified that she could not identify him at the time and that DNA evidence linked him to the assault. Higgins, who had a history of drug, robbery, stalking, harassment and breach of a barring order convictions, was sentenced by Mr Justice Paul Burns to ten years' imprisonment. The final year was suspended for three years on the condition that he engages with the Probation Service and has no contact with the victim. The court noted his moderate risk of re‑offending and his significant alcohol addiction. Wayne Higgins pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'It's just sex': convicted stalker raped woman in broad daylight even as locals shouted at him to stop. Charges or matters: one count of rape in Cork City on August 28, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 28, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-08-01 Publication
Why: "Just because I was drunk – it does not give that animal the right to put his arm around me – never mind penetrate me," the woman stated. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of rape in Cork City on August 28, 2019 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: On Wednesday Higgins was jailed for six years by Mr Justice Paul Burns. He suspended the final year of that sentence for three years on the condition that Higgins engage with the Probation Service for those three years and have no contact with the woman, either directly or indirectly.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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