An Edgeworthstown man who attacked and raped his elderly, vulnerable neighbour during a violent home invasion, causing her “life-altering” harm, has been jailed for 13 years.
36-year-old Shane Kelly forced his way into the 70-year-old woman's home late at night and subjected her to an ordeal in which he forced himself on her sexually, choked her and robbed her of petty cash, the Central Criminal Court heard.
The complainant, Anne Gallagher, has chronic health issues including arthritis and requires mobility aids which Kelly was aware of, the court heard.
Sentencing him, Ms Justice Melanie Greally said she disagreed with the Director of Public Prosecution's assessment of the seriousness of the case, which placed Kelly in the 10 to 15 years category.
Detective Inspector Yvonne Martin spoke outside court after yesterday's sentencing.
