A soldier from Northern Ireland has been sentenced to over eight years for raping a fellow soldier at a Dublin hotel three years ago
Kielan Mooney, 30, was found guilty of multiple charges, including anal and oral rape. He had denied all charges, but the jury didn’t reach a verdict on three of them. The victim, now 24, is also a soldier and has chosen to remain anonymous.
During sentencing, the judge pointed out how Mooney acted selfishly and disregarded the woman’s boundaries. He emphasized that she had every right to decide what she wanted to do. The judge also noted that the woman had been clear about the consensual nature of their initial interaction.
Mooney’s character was brought into question during the trial. Some people described him as a devoted father, but two women, who have children with him, contradicted that image, saying he had little involvement in their lives. The judge found their statements more credible.
In court, the woman shared how the assault changed her life. She expressed the emotional turmoil she faced and how it affected her work and personal life. She had been looking forward to a promotion but couldn’t participate due to the trauma.
The judge acknowledged the impact of the crime on her life and expressed hope that she could move forward positively. He also made it clear that Mooney’s behavior was unacceptable and that he showed no remorse for his actions.
Ultimately, Mooney received a sentence of eight and a half years, along with a two-year supervision order after his release. The judge made it clear that the consequences of his actions would follow him long after he leaves prison.
