Courts / Limerick / Report

Seven years for man who told rape victim (17) 'a boy has got to do what a boy has got to do'

Summary

Damien Long, aged 26, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment for raping a 17‑year‑old girl in 2018. The Central Criminal Court heard that Long forced the girl to lie on the floor, raped her, and repeatedly told her that "a boy has got to do what a boy has got to do when he is horny." He also threatened her, saying he would not stop because he was enjoying it, and later locked her in his bedroom before leaving. The victim, who wishes to remain unnamed, suffered severe emotional distress, began drinking, fought with her family, and engaged in self‑harm, resulting in 23 hospital admissions. Long had no prior convictions at the time of the rape but had 24 convictions for drug dealing, road traffic and public order offences. The unnamed 17-year-old pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Seven years for man who told rape victim (17) 'a boy has got to do what a boy has got to do'. Charges or matters: the rape of the teenager on an unknown date in 2018 but was convicted following a trial earlier this year. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

• 2025-05-12 Publication

Why: " When she begged him to stop, he replied: "I will not stop because I am enjoying it". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Public Order Road Traffic Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report