A Co Mayo man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for what a judge described as a “cold, predatory and premeditated” rape of a colleague after he passed out on the bathroom floor, reports RTE.
Shane Noonan, 28, of Castlehill Park, Turlow Road, Castlebar, pleaded guilty earlier this year to raping Ciara Mangan, 28, at a house party ten years ago.
They were both 18 and worked at a fast food restaurant in Castlebar.
Ms Mangan told the Central Criminal Court on 11 May 2013 that she suddenly felt unwell after being served an open can of cider at a party. She said Noonan pounced on her, took her upstairs and raped her in the bathroom.
Ms Judge Eileen Creedon said the evidence suggested some degree of planning. She said that Ms. Mangan was in a difficult situation and had lost consciousness. Then she got no help from Noonan.
After the rape, Ms Mangan told the court that she was subjected to “rape comments” and “rape songs” from colleagues while the restaurant owner was away.
The court heard that Ms. Mangan had reluctantly agreed to go to a house party on May 11, 2013. Upon receiving an open can of cider, she said she began to feel strange and confused, her hearing deteriorated, she fell asleep and had a vague memory of vomiting. She felt Noonan flying towards her as if he was waiting for the right moment.
He tried to kiss her, but she pushed him away. He then demands they go upstairs, leads her to the bathroom, and closes the door. He makes her lie on the floor and rapes her as she loses consciousness.
In her victim impact statement, Ms Mangan said she felt like she was trapped underwater with a shark circling around her. She said the rape was violent and she didn’t have the strength or energy to defend herself, reports RTE.
Speaking outside, Ms Mangan said she had suffered in silence for years. But she says there’s nothing to be ashamed of.
She thanked her family, police investigators and the Rape Crisis Center. Ms Mangan also thanked victims of sex crimes who had previously waived their anonymity as they said they had given her the courage to come forward.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.