Man acquitted of gang rape, but guilty of assaulting boyfriend

A man acquitted of taking part in a gang rape of a woman in her Monaghan home has today been given a suspended sentence for assaulting her boyfriend.

He and his two co-accused we found not guilty by a jury last week of raping, falsely imprisoning and assaulting the woman.

He was convicted of the single charge of assault causing harm to her partner, following a two-week trial.

The 28-year-old pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to falsely imprisoning the woman, raping her and assaulting her and her partner causing them harm at their Monaghan home between November 15 and November 19, 2010.

Garda Stephen Kenny told prosecuting counsel, Conor Devally SC, that the couple moved into the house with the accused on November 13, 2010 but the atmosphere quickly deteriorated. During a row over a missing vodka bottle, the victim was assaulted by the accused and another man. Counsel said the parties were drinking heavily at the time.

He was knocked unconcious and later went to hospital where he was treated for intense brusing to his face and a suspected eye socket fracture.

The victim’s second attacker later apologised to him. He was prevsiously given a non-custodial sentence in the District Court.

The victim stated in a victim impact report that he had known the accused for 20 years but is now afraid of him and had to move out of the house after the attack.

He added that his relationship with his girlfriend has also deteroriated because of the incident.

Defence counsel, Alexander Owens SC, said his client has a good work record and is the father of a child.

Justice Barry White imposed a six-month sentence, suspended in full for six months.