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Convicted rapist loses appeal over lunchtime sex attack on receptionist

Summary

Marius Purcil, a 41‑year‑old convicted rapist, lost an appeal against his sentence for a lunchtime sexual assault on a receptionist in Dublin. On 21 January 2017, Purcil entered a holistic therapy centre, asked for a massage, and when denied, offered money for sex. He became aggressive, punching the receptionist, head‑butting her, and using a Swiss army knife to threaten and choke her to unconsciousness twice. He cut her clothing and sexually assaulted her. The attack ended when another employee intervened. Purcil had eight prior convictions, including a rape of a boy in Romania. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to five years for the sexual assault and three years for assault causing harm, to run consecutively, with the final two years suspended. Purcil's barrister argued the judge erred in imposing consecutive sentences, but the Court of Appeal, presided by Justice George Birmingham, upheld the judge's decision and dismissed the appeal.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Convicted rapist loses appeal over lunchtime sex attack on receptionist. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• January 21, 2017 Incident
• 2020-10-06 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report