Courts / Ireland / Report

Rapist who targeted and twice attacked sleeping woman gets seven years

Summary

A 37‑year‑old man was sentenced to seven years in prison at the Central Criminal Court for raping a woman while she slept and then raping her again after she escaped the first assault. He pleaded guilty to two rape charges on 29 September 2019. The victim, whose identity is protected, described feeling like a "rag doll" during the attacks and suffering anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks and a loss of time with her children. She said she now locks herself in her bedroom and feels like a prisoner. The judge, Mr Justice Paul Burns, imposed an eight‑year sentence with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions for three years, directed the defendant to be supervised by the Probation Service for three years post‑release, and gave credit for time served. The court praised the victim's courage and hoped she would continue to recover with support from family and friends.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Rapist who targeted and twice attacked sleeping woman gets seven years. Charges or matters: two charges of rape on September 29, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• September 29, 2019 Incident
• 2025-07-17 Publication

Why: She said that because of the anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder she has suffered as a result of the rapes, she finds herself locking herself in her bedroom at home. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report