Man is jailed over rape of wife’s friend in city’s park
A MAN has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years for the rape of his wife’s friend in a park almost five years ago.
Paula Doyle, who waived her right to anonymity, spoke outside court after the sentencing of her attacker Aidan Kestell, 55.
Kestell was convicted of rape after a four-day trial at the Central Criminal Court last month.
The offence took place on September 6, 2019, at Hartstown Park, Hartstown, Dublin.
Kestell raped the woman after walking her home from a party at his house.
Kestell of Briarwood Lawn, Dublin 15, has no previous convictions.
Ms Doyle, speaking outside court, said she had struggled with “physical, mental and emotional pain” since the assault which has had a lasting impact on her daily life.
She added: “The actions of the predator that is Aidan Kestell have caused me immense suffering.
DESTROYED
“During the investigation, it was found that the vile texts, photos, videos and stalking I had been subjected to for three-anda-half years prior to the rape were from him too.
“I believe in innocent until proven guilty, but l also believe there’s not enough being done to protect the victim who has already had their world destroyed.”
Mr Justice Tony Hunt yesterday set a headline sentence of nine years for the rape.
He said this was a single incident but one with appalling and enduring consequences.
He described it as a “crime of violence and revenge”, for which Kestell will pay a serious price.
Mr Justice Hunt noted Kestell had first denied the offences and then gave a “grudging acceptance” that it had come about in “a preposterous way”.
The judge reduced the sentence to eight years and suspended the final six months.