Ms Justice Lankford said at the sentencing hearing on Friday: “The injured party was aged 19 at the time. “I hope you realise how serious this crime is and how much it can really destroy someone's life. I hope you never forgive yourself or forget how much your actions have affected someone. He told her to shut up or he would kill her and her mum and her dad. Defence senior counsel Jane Hyland said the accused had a significant amount of alcohol that night and that morning.

Source: Irish Examiner February 27, 2026 18:17 UTC