Courts / Cork / Report
Cork man who repeatedly raped teenage sister-in-law is jailed
Summary
Barry McDonagh, a 60‑year‑old from Midleton, Cork, was convicted by a jury of 17 counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against his teenage sister‑in‑law between 1999 and 2000. The victim, aged 15‑16 at the time, waived anonymity and testified that the abuse began when McDonagh kissed her and then digitally penetrated her while she was lying on a couch. Subsequent rapes occurred during a birthday trip and at a B&B. McDonagh maintains his innocence and remains married to the victim's sister, who supported him in court. The judge sentenced him to ten years, suspended a quarter, and back‑dated the term to time already spent in custody, giving a final custodial term of seven‑and‑a‑half years. The victim described the lasting psychological impact and her struggle to pursue her planned career. The case was heard in the Central Criminal Court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Cork man who repeatedly raped teenage sister-in-law is jailed. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- June 28 Hearing Or Sentence
- 1999 and 2000 Incident
- 2024-10-21 Publication
Why: The court heard she froze during this and the subsequent rapes and that she was in fear of McDonagh because she had frequently seen him lose his temper with other people. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Ms Justice Caroline Biggs set a headline sentence of 10 years, suspending a quarter of it and backdated it to June 28 last for time spent in custody.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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