Courts / Laois / Report
Woman tells court that rape by partner 'felt like murder'
Summary
During a sentence hearing in March, Chloe Loran, aged 16 when the relationship began, delivered a victim impact statement describing the emotional trauma of being raped twice by Martin Harte, 33, in 2019 and 2022. She said the assaults left her feeling as if she had been murdered and that her body remained while her life was destroyed. Harte, of Marian Hill, pleaded guilty to defilement in 2013 and to the two rapes. The court imposed a nine‑year prison term, with the final year suspended indefinitely under strict conditions, and a four‑year post‑release supervision order. Harte was also directed to avoid any contact with Loran and to comply with all probation directions. The judge noted the aggravating factors of the offences occurring in Loran's home and the breach of trust. The sentence reflected Harte's global offending and the mitigating factors presented by his defence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman tells court that rape by partner 'felt like murder'. Charges or matters: a count of engaging in a sexual act with a child under 17, known in law as defilement in 2013; two counts of rape on dates in 2019 and 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 2022 Incident
- February 2022 Incident
- 2019 and 2022 Incident
- 2025-10-13 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: a count of engaging in a sexual act with a child under 17, known in law as defilement in 2013; two counts of rape on dates in 2019 and 2022 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Harte was today handed a prison sentence of nine years, with the final year suspended indefinitely on strict conditions. Having considered the mitigating factors, the judge imposed a sentence of nine years with the final one year suspended on the strict conditions that Harte not commit any further sexual offences and have no contact – direct or indirect – with the victim.
Places mentioned
- March. The Central Criminal Court
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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