Trial of man accused of raping wife continues

A Sligo man sneered at his wife that "the gardai can’t touch me, I am your husband," when he raped her shortly after the birth of their child, his former wife told the Central Criminal Court.

The 39-year-old woman, now legally separated from him, said she was still bleeding from the birth when the alleged incident occurred.

The 46-year-old accused has pleaded not guilty to raping her on July 21, 1997 at their home.

She told prosecuting counsel, Mr Gerard Clarke SC (with Ms Roisin Lacey BL), she made it clear to her husband she didn’t want sexual intercourse at that time. He was well aware of that.

She said the young baby woke up early in the morning and she fed him before returning it to the carry-cot at the foot of the bed. She then fell asleep and woke up next to hear her husband asking: "Are you going to make love to me?"

When she said "no" he climbed on top of her and raped her, she told the jury. She said there was not much she could do as the children were asleep in close proximity.

Immediately after, he laughed and told her: "Thank you."

Later that morning he acted as if nothing had happened. She told him she was going to report the rape to gardaí and he replied: "They would not be able to touch me, I am your husband."

The hearing continues before Mr Justice Paul Carney and a jury.