ANTHONY MOYNIHAN OF CORK WAIVES ANONYMITY AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO RAPE CASE IN CORK

In March 2019, a man who was sexually assaulted at the age of ten chose to waive his right to anonymity, allowing his attacker to be publicly named. Anthony Moynihan, a 54-year-old from Crocane, Rostellan, Midleton, County Cork, pleaded guilty to raping the victim twice, with the incidents occurring when the victim was approximately ten years old.

Moynihan admitted to two counts of rape, with the first charge relating to a victim at an unspecified date between September 1, 2006, and June 27, 2008, at an address at Upper Aghada in County Cork. The second charge spanned a similar period and involved a different incident. Additionally, counts three and four referred to sexual assault by Moynihan on unspecified dates within the same timeframe.

Senior prosecution counsel Tim O’Leary confirmed that the victim had waived his right to anonymity. Mr. Justice Michael White indicated that evidence regarding the impact of the crimes on the victim would be necessary for sentencing, and a victim impact statement was to be prepared ahead of the hearing.

Advocating for the defendant, senior defense counsel Tom Creed requested an adjournment until May 7. The judge agreed and scheduled the sentencing for Dublin, following the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork. Mr. Creed noted that Moynihan was currently receiving treatment for cancer. Mr. Justice White ordered a probation report, and Mr. Creed added that medical reports would also be submitted.

During the arraignment at the Central Criminal Court, it was revealed that Moynihan was unable to speak. His solicitor, Ken Murray, entered a guilty plea on Moynihan’s behalf to all charges—two counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault.

The court did not disclose additional details about the case's background, which are expected to be provided by one of the investigating officers in May.