Courts / Ireland / Report
Husband accused of raping wife as marriage broke down
Summary
In a 2016 trial, a 42‑year‑old man faced charges of rape, assault, and multiple threats to kill his wife amid a deteriorating marriage. The prosecution alleged he threatened her with a knife after she announced she was leaving, raped her, and forced her to promise not to leave. He also allegedly threatened to kill her and used a hammer in a prior assault. The wife had obtained a barring order, yet the accused reportedly continued threats, including calling her "you're dead." The couple met occasionally to discuss their son, but meetings were tense and threats persisted. The accused pleaded not guilty to the current charges, having previously pleaded guilty to an assault with a hammer. The case proceeded before Justice Isobel Kennedy and a jury of eleven men and one woman.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Husband accused of raping wife as marriage broke down. Charges or matters: rape, assault causing harm and five counts of threats to kill or cause serious harm between May 24 and August 1, 2014; a count of assaulting his wife with a hammer in August 2014. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 24 Incident
- August 1, 2014 Incident
- August 2014 Incident
- June 9, 2014 Other
- 2016-06-14 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: rape, assault causing harm and five counts of threats to kill or cause serious harm between May 24 and August 1, 2014; a count of assaulting his wife with a hammer in August 2014 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Trial Violent Crime
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