Woman raped by two men says attacks ruined her life

A woman has described how she was raped by two men after losing consciousness at a house party in County Leitrim in 2017. Following an eleven-day trial at the Central Criminal Court last November, a jury convicted the first man of rape and the second of oral rape. Both men, now in their early twenties and known to the complainant from school, deny the offences and do not accept the verdicts. In a victim impact statement, the woman said the attacks have caused her severe psychological harm, describing her life as "a struggle" and stating the trauma will affect her permanently. The first man's defence counsel highlighted his previously unblemished character and submitted references from community members. The second man's counsel indicated an intention to appeal, noting his client maintains his innocence. The Director of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi on the rape charge against the second accused. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon adjourned sentencing to 17 February for consideration of the evidence.