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Restorative justice 'not feasible' as rapist fails to accept full responsibility
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on July 24, 2025, the court considered whether restorative justice could be applied to Christopher O'Grady, 33, who was convicted of raping a 19‑year‑old Spanish tourist in 2019. The Probation Service's updated report, presented by prosecutor Tony McGillicuddy SC, concluded that restorative justice was "not feasible" because O'Grady does not accept full responsibility. The victim's impact statement, read by McGillicuddy, expressed a desire to confront O'Grady and to see him acknowledge his wrongdoing. O'Grady, who had been homeless at the time of the offence, had previously accepted the jury's verdict and expressed remorse, but the probation officer noted he may still be in early stages of contemplation. Justice Caroline Biggs noted that the door to restorative justice was closed, that the probation report would not be treated as an aggravating or mitigating factor, and that O'Grady's acceptance of the verdict was acknowledged.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Restorative justice 'not feasible' as rapist fails to accept full responsibility. Charges or matters: one count of raping the then 19-year-old woman on January 1, 2019, following a trial last March. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- January 1, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- Thursday, July 31 Adjournment
- 2025-07-24 Publication
Why: By Isabel Hayes and Eimear Dodd The Probation Service have advised the Central Criminal Court that restorative justice is "not feasible" in the case of a man who raped a Spanish tourist six years ago because he does not accept full responsibility. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: one count of raping the then 19-year-old woman on January 1, 2019, following a trial last March (Proven)
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Today, Mr McGillicuddy told the court that an updated probation report includes a recommendation that restorative justice is "not feasible" at this time, due to O'Grady's position during an interview with a probation officer. He asked the court to consider suspending part of any sentence imposed to encourage rehabilitation.; I want him to truly see me and be forced to see himself as monstrous as I saw him." The sentence hearing was previously adjourned for the prosecution to look into restorative justice for the complainant, with the court hearing that it is rarely utilised for victims in rape cases before the Central Criminal Court.
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