Cork man to be sentenced for rape

A Cork man and former soldier who raped his female friend after she refused to kiss him has been remanded in custody pending sentence by Mr Justice Paul Carney at the Central Criminal Court.

The 45-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty on the third day of his trial last year after the woman gave evidence to the jury and before she was cross-examined by his defence team.

He pleaded guilty to one count of rape, two of attempted rape and one of sexual assault at the woman’s Cork home on September 12 and 13, 2008.

Detective Garda Catherine Tansey said the woman had prepared a victim impact report in which she described the accused as having acted “like a monster” after she refused to kiss him.

“I never before saw such rage and anger,” the victim said and added that she was left feeling “so degraded” after the assault.

She described having flashbacks of being brought upstairs to her bedroom with her hands tied behind her back and said that he was always afraid that the man would return to her home and harm her.

“I had allowed him into my home. He was like family and I trusted him. I never thought he would cross the line. It was the first time I had ever lived alone,” the woman stated in her report.

She said she felt “humiliated” having to relive the events of that night in her evidence to the court and said although she was relieved by the defendant’s pleas of guilty, she did not accept his apology.

She said the defendant had written her a letter before the trial came to court asking her to drop the charges.

“He put me through hell and back I don’t want to see his face again,” she said.

The woman stated that she had considered driving in front of a lorry and said she could not help but feel like “damaged goods”.

During the trial the man had prepared a statement after the woman had given her evidence to Mr Timothy O’Leary SC, prosecuting and he had pleaded guilty to the charges.

His defence counsel Mr Blaise O’Carroll SC, defending read it to the jury.

“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,” he continued.

“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,” he stated.

Mr Justice Carney adjourned the case for sentence next week.