A teenager who was raped by her sister’s then-partner has told the Central Criminal Court how her life has been impacted by the offence but she is working towards healing.
The 24-year-old Carlow man, who cannot be named to protect the young woman’s identity, was convicted following a trial earlier this year of the rape and sexual assault of the teenager at his home on a date in August 2023.
The man was aged 21 years old at the time, while she was aged 16 years old.
The complainant, who was not present in court, prepared a victim impact statement which was read aloud in court.
She told the court that since August 2023, she felt disgusted by her body and hated how she felt. She said she kept replaying the events in her head and had self-harmed in an effort to make herself feel okay. She said she was working towards healing with those who supported her by her side.
Ms Justice Karen O’Connor asked the woman’s family to pass on her best wishes. She said it was evident during the trial she had supportive family and friends and she hoped she will take that support. She wished the complainant well during this very difficult time for her.
An investigating garda told Michael Delaney SC, prosecuting, that the offences occurred while the complainant was staying over at the man’s home for a family event.
The man came into the bedroom and sexually assaulted her before raping her. She told him to stop and tried to push him off. He stopped and left without saying anything.
The girl said she had tried to shout out while it was happening but found she had no voice.
She did not say anything to her sister the following day due to the family event, but told a friend what had occurred. She later told her sister, who confronted the accused and he denied the allegations and asked why she had not screamed.
She later told her mother part of what happened and gardai began their investigation.
Barry White SC, defending, said the accused was a single man who lived with his parents. He has no previous convictions. He has been in custody since his conviction in April.
Mr White said the accused man does not accept the verdicts of the jury. He said his client had a diagnosis of autism and ADHD. He had a limited education and has never been in long-term employment.
He said it was a serious offence, but he has not been in trouble with law previously or since.
Ms Justice O’Connor said she would accept letters from family and friends of the accused man on the next date, once they had been made on affidavit. She adjourned finalisation of sentencing until July 28th next.
[Report by Fiona Ferguson]
