Man admits rape of friend after plea change

A MAN on trial for raping and attempting to rape a female friend in Cork over two years ago has dramatically changed his plea at the Central Criminal Court after a day of legal argument.

It was the third day of the trial of the 44-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons. He had pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of sexual assault in Cork on dates between September 12 and 13, 2008.

One of the rape charges was later changed to attempted rape after a ruling by the trial judge.

When the jury returned after an absence of one day, Blaise O’Carroll, defending, read out a letter from the man stating he had changed his plea to all charges.

“I am deeply sorry for the hurt and pain I have caused. I felt her pain and sorrow when she took the stand,” the man said in his letter.

“It was a moment of madness fuelled by alcohol, cannabis and medication. I have now ruined a good friendship and I am in shock and disbelief at what I have done. My actions were out of character and I hope she will find the strength to pick up the pieces and find normality again. I am deeply sorry for all the pain I have caused and she will always be in my prayers.”

Mr O’Carroll asked that his client be re-arraigned and he pleaded guilty to one count of rape, two counts of attempted rape and one count of sexual assault.

His plea was accepted by Timothy O’Leary, prosecuting, on behalf of the DPP.

Mr Justice Paul Carney thanked the jury for their service and exempted them from jury duty for 10 years.

He declared the man a sex offender and ordered that a victim impact report be prepared in advance of sentencing next month.

The complainant told Mr O’Leary that on the night of September 12 the accused rang her and asked her if it was okay for him to call around for the evening.

“He arrived around 8pm and had four bottles of Bacardi Breezers with him. We both sat at the kitchen table drinking and smoking cigarettes and some hash. We were listening to the radio. The accused got up and came over to me and tried to kiss me on the lips.”

She said he punched her on the nose and pushed her to the ground.

“I was petrified and I begged him not to do this to me. He was like a monster.”

He told her to take off the pink top she was wearing and then told her to take off her bra, tied her hands together behind her back and tried to rape her. In an upstairs bedroom he further attempted to rape and also raped the woman.