Courts / Dublin / Report
Down Syndrome woman's life "upended' by rape, judge says
Summary
Faisal Ellahi, who pleaded not guilty to rape, sexual assault, and having sex with a mentally impaired person, was convicted last December after luring a woman with Down Syndrome to his Dublin apartment. At today's sentencing hearing, Mr Justice Tony Hunt described the victim's life as "upended in the most radical way," noting that her family's efforts to build her independence were destroyed. Ellahi, originally from Pakistan, maintained his innocence and claimed he did not know the victim had Down syndrome. The judge identified Ellahi's false assertions of consent as an aggravating factor. Defense counsel Padraig Dwyer SC sought a psychiatric report regarding Ellahi's IQ and argued for a sentence within the median range of five to seven years. The judge stated that any prospect of a partially suspended sentence was contingent on Ellahi agreeing to be deported to Pakistan upon release. Ellahi expressed willingness to enter a bond to leave the country. Consequently, the matter was adjourned to February 2 to allow time for the requested psychiatric report to be prepared.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Down Syndrome woman's life "upended' by rape, judge says. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 12, 2013 Incident
- February 2 Incident
- 2016-01-25 Publication
Why: But the judge added: "The effects of [that single incident] are horrendous way beyond the normal range of the offence because of the victim. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: He previously told Ellahi's counsel that any prospect of a partially suspended sentence would be contingent on him agreeing to be deported to his native Pakistan on his release.
Places mentioned
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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