Courts / Dublin / Report

Child-rapist GAA coach denied leave by Supreme Court to appeal increased sentence

Summary

A child-rapist GAA coach has been denied leave by the Supreme Court to appeal against a four-year increase in his sentence for what a judge described as 'unusual, shocking and extremely disturbing' crimes. The man, who cannot be identified to protect the victim's identity, was sentenced in December 2021 to 10.5 years imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended by Mr Justice Michael MacGrath. The accused pleaded guilty to 15 counts with consent to the facts of all the offences being considered as part of the sentencing process. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court, where the man had entered guilty pleas in April 2021 in relation to 15 sample counts including oral rape, attempted anal rape, sexual assault, false imprisonment, assault causing harm and criminal damage. The court heard evidence of further sexual assaults during a trip to London, but these counts were dropped as they had taken place outside the jurisdiction. The offences occurred between 2004 and 2010 at locations including the man's home, a midlands sports grounds and a hotel in Dublin. The accused had been extradited from the US to face the charges. At the Court of Appeal in March, Eilis Brennan SC, for the State, submitted that the original nine-year sentence was too low as the victim had endured a 'continuum' of sexual and physical abuse as well as 'emotional torture' over a six-year period. The Court of Appeal increased the sentence to 14 years and six months with the final 18 months suspended. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, noting that the Court of Appeal had conducted a 'thorough examination of the facts' and that there was 'nothing' to suggest that any law was mis-applied in what was a 'difficult case that was sensitively considered'. The matter was adjourned at the appeal stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Child-rapist GAA coach denied leave by Supreme Court to appeal increased sentence. Charges or matters: 15 counts with consent to the facts of all the offences being considered as part of the sentencing process. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• December 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
• April 2021 Incident
• September 2006 Other
• 2004 and 2010 Other
• Christmas 2003 Other
• 2024-10-25 Publication

Why: At the Central Criminal Court in December 2021 the man, who cannot be identified in order to protect the victim's identity, was sentenced to 10. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report