RICHARD O’MARA SHOCKS CO CLARE AND DUBLIN WITH BRUTAL RAPE AT SISTER'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

In a harrowing case that has sent shockwaves through both Co Clare and Dublin, Richard O’Mara, aged 31, was sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison for the heinous crimes committed against a teenage girl during a birthday celebration. The incident took place at Ballymulcashel, Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, on October 18, 2015, and involved two separate acts of rape that have left a lasting scar on the victim.

O’Mara, who resides at Walnut Avenue, Kingswood, Tallaght, Dublin, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges but was ultimately convicted by a jury at the Central Criminal Court after a detailed trial that lasted two and a half weeks in April. The court heard disturbing details of the assault, which unfolded during a family gathering that was supposed to be a joyful celebration.

During the sentencing hearing on Thursday, Ms Justice Burns described the crimes as a “vicious, horrifying attack,” emphasizing the brutality and deceit involved. She recounted how O’Mara had used “deceit, violence, and force” to sexually assault the young girl in a field, an act that was both shocking and reprehensible. The judge further revealed that after this initial assault, O’Mara subjected the victim to an even more vicious rape inside his family home, describing the scenario as “one that beggars belief.”

Justice Tara Burns sentenced O’Mara to 14 years’ imprisonment but suspended the final two years on strict conditions, reflecting her recognition of the severity of the crimes and the need for justice. She also addressed the troubling perception of class bias that appeared to influence some attitudes during the case, noting that there was a “sense of class” suggesting the victim was from a “good-for-nothing family” and therefore less credible. The judge firmly rejected this notion, highlighting that O’Mara’s family was wealthy and owned a “fine house,” but emphasizing that credibility is not determined by social standing.

In a powerful moment, Ms Justice Burns praised the victim for her bravery, stating that she could leave the courtroom with her head held high for standing up for herself. The young woman’s victim impact statement, read aloud in court, revealed the profound trauma she endured. She described her fear of seeing O’Mara again, which kept her confined to her bedroom for two months. She recounted that the assault was her first sexual experience, which O’Mara “robbed” her of her virginity, leaving her bleeding for a week and in pain so severe that she avoided using the toilet.

The victim also shared the emotional aftermath of the attack, explaining how O’Mara’s actions shattered her trust in male friends and caused her to suffer panic attacks, nightmares, and flashbacks. She concluded her statement by asserting that O’Mara no longer holds any power or control over her, demonstrating her resilience and strength.

Prosecutor Maurice Coffey BL informed the court that the victim wished for restrictions to be lifted regarding the publication of O’Mara’s name, indicating her desire for some measure of closure. Garda David Lang provided further details, recounting that on the day of the assault, the victim attended O’Mara’s family home for his sister’s eighteenth birthday party. During the event, she engaged in conversation with O’Mara, who then led her by the hand onto a public road, claiming he was taking her to a friend’s house.

Instead, O’Mara led her into a nearby field, where he pushed her to the ground, held her down, and proceeded to rape her. Throughout the assault, the victim was crying and shaking her head, while O’Mara whispered in her ear, “I know you want it.” After the initial attack, he instructed her not to tell anyone and they returned to the house, where most guests had already left. O’Mara then told her he could not order a taxi for her, and she lay on a couch in the living room, crying.

Later, O’Mara entered the room, sat beside her, and forced her head into a pillow, pulled her hair, and told her to be quiet. He then removed her jeans and underwear and raped her again, eventually falling asleep afterward. The following morning, he ordered a taxi for her and again warned her not to disclose what had happened. The court heard that at the time of these crimes, the victim was in her final year of secondary school, making her ordeal even more tragic and disturbing.