Courts / Galway / Report
Galway teen goes on trial accused of rape when he was 14
Summary
In a County Galway court, a 16‑year‑old boy was tried for four charges of sexual assault and rape against a 13‑year‑old girl he had been dating for a few weeks. The boy pleaded not guilty. The prosecution, led by Anne Rowland SC, presented a Snapchat message from the girl to her mother dated 7 July 2023, in which she claimed the boy had raped her and threatened to hit her. She also sent photographs of bruises on her legs and left breast, which she said were caused by the boy. A video of her interview with specialist Gardaí was shown, where she described being forced into sexual acts, including oral rape, and a forced vaginal penetration on a Tuesday. The girl reported bruising, bleeding, and a burning sensation after the alleged assault. The boy admitted to seeing the girl but denied any sexual contact. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Patrick McGrath and a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Galway teen goes on trial accused of rape when he was 14. Charges or matters: four charges, three charges of sexual assault involving oral rape and one of rape of the then 13-year-old girl on dates between June and July 2023. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- July 2023 Incident
- July 7, 2023 Other
- 2025-09-30 Publication
Why: She said after it happened, she had been asking her friends what she should do and they told her what had happened was rape because she didn't want to do it. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: four charges, three charges of sexual assault involving oral rape and one of rape of the then 13-year-old girl on dates between June and July 2023 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Related court reports
- Appearance of tips machine in cafe that pulled in €5k unexplained, tribunal notes
- Judge speaks out about toxic masculinity while jailing young man for rape
- 'You ruined my life,' rape victim tells older brother
- Retired Franciscan brother jailed for 11 years for raping boy
- Lab had to decontaminate first aid room after technician found to have been napping, wearing lead-exposed work gear, tribunal told
- Lithuanian man admits engaging in terrorist plot to attack mosque
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request