Courts / Laois / Report
Defence Forces member jailed for rape of partner's friend
Summary
A 38‑year‑old Defence Forces member, Alan O'Connor of Acorn Downes, Newbridge, was found guilty of raping a friend of his partner, Siobhan Murphy, at a property in Portarlington on 17 June 2020. The victim, who had known the attacker for 15 years, testified that she was fully clothed when O'Connor entered her bed and forced himself upon her, pulling down her trousers and underwear. O'Connor denied wrongdoing and maintained his innocence. He had no prior convictions and had served in the Defence Forces for nearly 19 years. The Central Criminal Court, after hearing victim impact statements and a letter from a priest describing the offence as "totally out of character," sentenced him to five and a half years' imprisonment, with a six‑month suspended portion to be served over two years. The judge noted his medical needs and family support as mitigating factors. The sentence was imposed by Justice Kerida Naidoo.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Defence Forces member jailed for rape of partner's friend. Charges or matters: one count of rape by a Central Criminal Court jury following a trial last November. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- June 17, 2020 Incident
- 2025-01-17 Publication
Why: The injured party, Siobhan Murphy, has waived her anonymity in order to identify O'Connor. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: one count of rape by a Central Criminal Court jury following a trial last November (Proven)
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Judge Naidoo sentenced O'Connor to five and a half years in prison. "This was an isolated incident, and I will suspend the final six months of his sentence for two years," he said.
Convicted Person
Charges: one count of rape by a Central Criminal Court jury following a trial last November (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Defence Forces has been jailed for five years for the rape of his partner's friend, with the victim telling the Central Criminal Court that she had known and trusted her attacker for 15 years.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- St Vincents Hospital
Topics
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