Courts / Ireland / Report
Rapist threatened to sue victim (15) when she disclosed abuse to family member
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 15‑year‑old woman recounted being raped by a 59‑year‑old man who later threatened her with a defamation lawsuit after she disclosed the abuse to a family member. The victim described the assault as occurring while she was babysitting at the man's home, where he showed her pornographic material and then raped her. She had previously told two siblings before 2004, a doctor in 2013, and a relative at a charity event in 2014. After the last disclosure, the man sent a solicitor's letter threatening legal action. He pleaded not guilty to the rape, was convicted in May, and will be sentenced later. He was acquitted of two additional sexual assault charges. The woman's testimony highlighted long‑term psychological effects, including loss of confidence, nightmares, and claustrophobia, and she emphasized reclaiming her self‑worth and identity as a survivor.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Rapist threatened to sue victim (15) when she disclosed abuse to family member. Charges or matters: rape at his home on a date between October 1983 and July 1984; the offence following a trial in May; two further counts of sexual assault of the same woman, but was acquitted of these charges. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Acquitted
When:
- October 1983 Incident
- July 1984 Incident
- 2018-07-17 Publication
Why: He said because of the elapsed time, the person convicted before the court was not same person in 1983. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: rape at his home on a date between October 1983 and July 1984; the offence following a trial in May; two further counts of sexual assault of the same woman, but was acquitted of these charges (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Acquitted
Outcome: Acquitted; He will be sentenced at a later date.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Sentence Violent Crime
Help us improve this report
Your request is saved for the newsroom's next review. It does not immediately change the published report.
Prefer email? Send a correction request.