Courts / Wexford / Report

'Danger to young girls' gets 11.5 years for rape of teenager

Date
2026-07-20
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Enniscorthy
County
Wexford

Summary

A 48-year-old man from Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, has been jailed for 11-and-a-half years for the rape of a 16-year-old girl. Richard Murphy was found guilty of rape and oral rape in October 2022 after a trial in Waterford. The victim was in a consensual relationship with Murphy's son when they were in the garden of a house. Murphy arrived and asked the girl for her parents' details, which she fabricated. He then orally and vaginally raped her before telling her not to tell anyone. The victim later informed her friends, who helped her report the crime. Murphy was on bail at the time for other sexual offences involving young girls. The judge described him as a danger to young girls and noted the aggravating factor of his being on bail. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma she experienced. The judge imposed a consecutive sentence of 11 years and six months to Murphy's current sentence. The court also extended legal aid in the event of an appeal.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Danger to young girls' gets 11.5 years for rape of teenager. Charges or matters: rape and oral rape in October 2022 following a Central Criminal Court trial sitting in Waterford in June. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

Why: Ms Justice Karen O'Connor noted that Murphy's defence was that he asked the injured party for her details because he was concerned for his son, who he then left the party with. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Richard Murphy

Convicted Person

Charges: rape and oral rape in October 2022 following a Central Criminal Court trial sitting in Waterford in June (Proven)

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; Ms Justice O'Connor said the court would impose a consecutive sentence as these offences were committed while Murphy was on bail. She imposed a sentence of 11 years and six months in respect of the rape count and a concurrent eight-year sentence in relation to the count of oral rape.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court
  • Central Criminal Court
Residence
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Sentence

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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