Courts / Ireland / Report

Lodger who raped teenage girl over 20 years ago is jailed

Summary

A man, now 49, was jailed for seven years for raping a teenage girl while he was a lodger in her home between 2001 and 2005. The victim, aged 11 to 14 at the time, was living with relatives after her mother's death and had an "uncle‑type" relationship with the lodger. The man, aged 25 to 28 during the offence, denied the charge and had no prior convictions. He was convicted by a jury after a trial in the Central Criminal Court. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath sentenced him to an eight‑year custodial term, suspended the final year on the condition of good behaviour, peacekeeping and two years of probation. The judge praised the victim's evidence and wished her well. The defendant's defence described him as a caring, respectful person and argued the offence was out of character. The court noted the large age gap, breach of trust and use of alcohol as aggravating factors.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Lodger who raped teenage girl over 20 years ago is jailed. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

• 2001 and 2005 Incident
• 2025-10-21 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

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Stage Sentence

Read the original CNI report