Courts / Wicklow / Report
Six years for man who raped two children including Down Syndrome girl
Summary
In June 2016, an 18‑year‑old man from Wicklow was sentenced to six years in prison for raping two children, one of whom had Down Syndrome. He pleaded guilty to four counts of rape, one count of threatening to kill and one count of sexual assault committed between 20 June 2013 and 31 December 2014. The offences were described by Justice Patrick McCarthy as "of the utmost gravity" because they involved children and a child with a mental disability. The accused threatened to kill a victim to prevent reporting. The first victim, a boy aged ten at his first rape and eleven at the second, suffered a permanent scar and ongoing psychological harm. The second victim, a girl with Down Syndrome, reported that the accused kissed her and inserted his tongue into her mouth. She now self‑harms and distrusts men. The defendant, who had no prior convictions, was 15 when he first offended and has attempted suicide.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Six years for man who raped two children including Down Syndrome girl. Charges or matters: four counts of rape, one count of threatening to kill and one count of sexual assault, between June 20 2013 and December 31, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 20 2013 Incident
- December 31, 2014 Incident
- July 8, 2014 Incident
- August 18, 2014 Incident
- April 5 2015 Other
- 2016-06-07 Publication
Why: " He noted that the man made a threat to kill one victim in order to prevent him reporting the crimes. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: four counts of rape, one count of threatening to kill and one count of sexual assault, between June 20 2013 and December 31, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: By Alison O'Riordan and Nicola Donnelly A Wicklow man who raped and sexually assaulted two children, one of whom has Down Syndrome, has been sentenced to six years. Justice McCarthy sentenced the defendant to three years for the offences on each victim to run consecutively and ordered he undergoes five years post-release supervision and undertake sexual offenders therapeutic courses.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- voluntarily came to the garda station
Topics
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