The Daily Star Ireland
A 25-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison for a violent and prolonged attack on his wife, which included rape, sexual assault, false imprisonment, and threats to kill. The assault took place at their home in Dublin in September 2023. The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, was convicted earlier this year following a trial at the Central Criminal Court.
During the terrifying ordeal, the victim was smothered, raped twice, and threatened with a knife. She believed she might be killed. The court heard that the man, who has 35 previous convictions for offences such as robbery and breaching a protection order, showed no remorse and continues to deny all charges.
Victim Stands Strong Despite Community Isolation
The woman, now raising their children alone, said in her victim impact statement that she had faced significant backlash from her community, becoming socially isolated for taking her former husband to court. In her own words, it went against her community’s norms to bring such matters to public justice. Still, she followed through, motivated by the desire to protect her daughters and set a better example.
She described how the abuse had escalated from emotional manipulation and financial exploitation to physical violence and rape. The night of the incident, after visiting her husband’s home and going to bed unwell, she awoke to find him smothering her and threatening her with a knife. Despite pleading with him and making it clear she did not want to engage in any sexual activity, he raped and assaulted her multiple times.
The woman managed to escape the next morning under the pretense of going to a government office but instead went straight to the gardaí. The man denied all allegations during his interview, claiming she fabricated the story.
Judge Condemns the Violence and Betrayal of Trust
Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo described the attack as a serious breach of trust involving extreme violence and control. He acknowledged the victim’s courage in coming forward and described the abuse as a deeply traumatic event carried out in what should have been a place of safety.
Noting the lack of remorse and the man’s refusal to accept the verdict, the judge imposed a 13-year sentence, suspending the final six months on the condition the man engage with rehabilitation services.
After sentencing, tensions flared in court, with the man’s supporters confronting the victim and being removed by security.
Impact and Aftermath
The woman continues to suffer from nightmares and anxiety. She described being haunted by the fear that her children might have lost her that night. Despite ongoing trauma, she expressed relief that the truth has been acknowledged and justice served.
The prosecution placed the severity of the case within the 10 to 15-year sentencing range, citing the presence of domestic violence and the relationship dynamic as key aggravating factors.
The defense, while acknowledging the conviction, argued the man had no previous history of sexual offences and labeled the incident a one-off, contesting the recommended sentencing range. The judge disagreed, emphasizing the lasting harm caused and the seriousness of the crime.
