LIMERICK RAPIST ERICK MUKOKO LOSES APPEAL AGAINST EIGHT-YEAR JAIL SENTENCE
A violent rapist jailed for an attack on a 21-year-old woman has lost an appeal against his eight-year sentence.Erick Mukoko (34), of Thomas Street, Limerick, had pleaded guilty to raping the woman at a location in the city in May 2017.
During a sentencing hearing at the Central Criminal Court in October 2019, it was revealed that Mukoko, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, raped the woman after she refused a kiss at a flat where she was socialising with a friend after a night out.
Mukoko's lawyers challenged the sentence, arguing that Mr Justice White erred in categorising the case as more serious and in not sufficiently considering mitigating factors.
The appeal was dismissed by a panel of judges led by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, who stated that the original sentence of eight years was within judicial discretion, and the judge properly considered mitigating factors.
The DPP’s representative supported the original sentencing, emphasizing it was appropriate.
The victim impact statement described devastating effects, including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts, as she struggles to trust people and socialize.
She expressed her desire to take control of her life again, supported by her family.
Gardaí identified Mukoko as the suspect based on DNA evidence; he initially denied knowing the woman or the allegations but an informant identification and DNA match confirmed his involvement.
The court noted the victim’s distress and her efforts to recover from the assault, which occurred after she was left alone with Mukoko in a social setting.
The judge reaffirmed the seriousness of the offence and the appropriateness of the original sentence.
