Courts / Westmeath / Report
'Wolf in sheep's clothing' gets 13 years for rape and abuse of partner's sisters
Summary
Christopher Fitzsimons, 40, of Athlone, Co Westmeath, was sentenced to 13 years in prison by the Central Criminal Court for rape and sexual assault. A jury convicted him last July of all 22 counts, including 18 counts of raping Claire Berry, aged 15 to 16, between 2010 and 2011; one count of raping Tara Berry, aged 16, in 2006; and two counts of sexually assaulting Tara Berry, aged 12. He was also found guilty of one count of sexually assaulting Chloe Berry, aged 14, in 2001. The abuse occurred over a 10-year period while Fitzsimons was in a relationship with the victims' older sister. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon described the conduct as an "egregious abuse of trust" and a "wolf in sheep's clothing." She set a headline sentence of 14 years, reduced to 13 years, citing his lack of previous convictions and work history as a butcher in mitigation. Fitzsimons has been in custody since the verdict. The victims, who waived anonymity, submitted impact statements detailing long-term trauma and his lack of remorse. Prosecutors requested consecutive sentences for the separate complainants, while the defense highlighted his good character.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Wolf in sheep's clothing' gets 13 years for rape and abuse of partner's sisters. Charges or matters: two counts of sexual assault and one count of rape of the first complainant, Tara Berry, who was aged 12 at the time; one count of sexual assault in relation to this incident. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted; Found guilty
When:
- 2001 and 2011 Incident
- 2010 and 2011 Incident
- 2026-02-16 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Charges: one count of sexual assault in relation to this incident (Proven)
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Reading her victim impact statement, Chloe Berry, who is now 34, said it is almost 20 years ago since she was sexually assaulted while babysitting at the age 14. "It is something I have carried with me every day for the last 20 years," she said. "I ask the court when considering a sentence in this case, (to also consider) the sentence Christopher has given to me with no remorse," she said.
Applicant
Charges: two counts of sexual assault and one count of rape of the first complainant, Tara Berry, who was aged 12 at the time; one count of sexual assault in relation to this incident (Proven)
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Christopher Fitzsimons was jailed. Photo: Collins) A "wolf in sheep's clothing" who raped two of his partner's younger sisters and abused another over a 10-year period has been jailed for 13 years.
Applicant
Charges: one count of sexual assault in relation to this incident (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Reading her victim impact statement, Chloe Berry, who is now 34, said it is almost 20 years ago since she was sexually assaulted while babysitting at the age 14. "It is something I have carried with me every day for the last 20 years," she said. "I ask the court when considering a sentence in this case, (to also consider) the sentence Christopher has given to me with no remorse," she said.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Thornbury Drive
- Athlone
- Fitzsimons' house
- Midland Prison
Topics
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