Courts / Kildare / Report

'I will be alone for the rest of my life,' rape victim tells court

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 38‑year‑old woman who was raped while asleep delivered a victim impact statement in which she said she would be alone for the rest of her life. She described the past three or four years as "hell", blamed herself for not being strong enough for her children, and said she feels she has failed as a mother and has been robbed of everything. She cannot watch any media containing a kiss and wishes to be free of pain. The accused, a 38‑year‑old man with a prior assault conviction, pleaded not guilty to rape. A jury found him guilty on the sole count. The court adjourned the matter for finalisation on 19 June. The woman's statement was read before the judge. The accused accepted the verdict and expressed remorse. The case is pending finalisation.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'I will be alone for the rest of my life,' rape victim tells court. Charges or matters: an offence of rape at an address in Co Kildare on March 12, 2017. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 12, 2017 Incident
• June 19 Adjournment
• 2020-05-25 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Sexual Offences Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report