DAVID POWER SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR NENAGH RAPE IN CO. TIPPERARY

In a significant and disturbing case that has shocked the community of Nenagh and the wider Co. Tipperary region, David Power, a 27-year-old man from Brittas, Thurles, has been handed a life sentence following his guilty plea to a brutal sexual assault that took place in a local fast food establishment.

On January 28th, 2007, Power committed a heinous act inside the ladies' toilet of Supermacs in Nenagh. The victim, whose identity remains protected, was attacked while she was simply trying to use the restroom after a night out. According to court reports, she was on her way home from a nightclub with her boyfriend when they stopped at Supermacs. She entered the ladies' toilet, and her ordeal began when she was unexpectedly pushed inside by Power, who then grabbed her shoulders and forcibly turned her around.

The woman struggled fiercely, shouting for help, but the noise of the loud music in the toilets made it difficult for her cries to be heard. Power then placed his hands around her neck, exerting pressure, and before he proceeded to pull down her clothes and commit the assault, she managed to scratch his face in a desperate attempt to defend herself. Her boyfriend, concerned about her prolonged absence, asked a girl to check the toilets, and upon hearing her voice, Power paused and quickly left the scene.

Gardaí were alerted immediately, and the woman was taken to hospital where she was treated for bruising and injuries caused by Power’s grip around her neck. Her eyes were red from the pressure, and she displayed bruises on her neck and body that developed over the following days. CCTV footage from the restaurant captured Power entering and leaving the ladies' toilets during the early hours of that morning, providing crucial evidence for the investigation.

Initially, Power denied any memory of the incident upon his arrest. However, he later admitted to the Gardaí that he had been in Supermacs with a friend after a night out and had gone into the ladies' toilets. He claimed he had gone to the gents to vomit and then returned to the scene, where he encountered his victim.

During the court proceedings, Power’s defense argued that he had received some counselling while in custody and that he was motivated to seek further treatment. His legal team highlighted that he had a troubled background, having been sexually abused as a child by his paternal grandfather and more recently by an unknown individual as an adult. They emphasized his remorse and the support he received from his family, as well as his acknowledgment that his substance abuse—specifically alcohol and drugs—played a role in his offending.

Mr. Justice Paul Carney, presiding over the case at the Central Criminal Court, described Power’s attack as “planned, predatory, and opportunistic.” He noted that Power had a proven and admitted propensity for rape, which contributed to the severity of the sentence. While imposing a life term, the judge also mentioned that Power could apply for parole after serving eight years.

During the sentencing, the victim addressed the court, describing how the assault had profoundly affected her life. She expressed that her sense of safety had been severely compromised, and she now kept Garda contact details on speed dial whenever she socialized. Despite her trauma, she received support from her family and community, who rallied around her in her time of need.

Power’s mother, Elizabeth Power, appeared in court and pleaded for her son’s rehabilitation, revealing that he had been subjected to sexual abuse as a child and as an adult. She implored the court to help him access therapy, emphasizing her concern for his mental health. Mr. Justice Carney responded that he had already tried to help Power through previous sentences, which he considered moderate, and that he could not take into account his troubled upbringing or substance abuse issues in the current case.

As the sentence was handed down, Power stood with his head bowed. After a moment of silence, he leaned forward, supporting himself on the bench, before eventually being handcuffed and led away by prison officers. His family and the victim’s relatives were visibly emotional as the proceedings concluded.

This case underscores the ongoing issues of sexual violence and the importance of justice for victims. The community of Nenagh and Co. Tipperary will undoubtedly continue to grapple with the aftermath of this disturbing incident, which has left a lasting impact on all involved.