Courts / Tipperary / Report
Woman had to fight off rapist husband with rolling pin, court hears
Summary
A 43-year-old man was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for raping his estranged wife at their Tipperary home. The defendant, who pleaded not guilty to two charges of rape alleged to have occurred in April and May 2022, was convicted by a jury on one count. The jury failed to reach a verdict on the first incident, and the Director of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi, meaning that charge will not be tried again. Mr Justice Paul Burns imposed a sentence of seven years, with the final year suspended for three years. The court heard that the victim, who had been married to the accused since 2010, used a rolling pin to fight him off during the May 2022 incident. The judge noted the accused had broken trust by taking advantage of the victim while she was asleep in her own bed, citing their prior relationship as an aggravating factor. Mitigating factors included the defendant's lack of prior convictions, work history, cooperation with gardaí, and status as a good father. The victim's impact statement described severe mental and financial distress, including PTSD and an inability to work. Defence counsel noted the client did not accept the verdict but had been cooperative during the investigation.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman had to fight off rapist husband with rolling pin, court hears. Charges or matters: two charges of rape at the couple's Tipperary home on dates in April and May 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 2022 Incident
- April 2022 Other
- May 15, 2022 Other
- 2025-06-30 Publication
Why: A woman who brought a rolling pin to bed with her because she was in fear of her estranged husband later used it to fight him off as he raped her, a court has heard. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: two charges of rape at the couple's Tipperary home on dates in April and May 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Today Mr Justice Paul Burns imposed a sentence of seven years with the final year suspended. Mr Justice Burns imposed a sentence of seven years with the final year suspended for three years.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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