FRANCIS CONDRA

DROGHEDA MAN JAILED FOR VICIOUS 5-HOUR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND STABBING

Twisted actor and playwright Francis Condra was sentenced to 16 years in prison after being convicted of a horrific five-hour sexual assault.

The victim, a 40-year-old woman who met Condra the night of the attack at a pub, was dragged into his flat, where he repeatedly raped her and attacked her with a carving knife, slashing her genitals.

During the assault, which began around 2 am on November 8, 2003, Condra inflicted severe injuries, including black eyes, bruising, scratches, and a 4 cm cut on her genitals.

The woman fought back fiercely, even attempting to grab the knife for self-defense, and managed to call a taxi to take her to the police station.

Evidence found at Condra’s flat included a bloodstained knife and blood-spattered walls, headboard, duvet cover, and mattress.

Condra, 46, a former member of the Defence Forces, showed no emotion during sentencing at Dublin's Central Criminal Court.

Judge Henry Abbott described the crime as one of the upper end of seriousness, citing its violent and savage nature, and emphasized the victim’s bravery in challenging her attacker, which may have prevented worse harm.

The court sentenced Condra to 16 years on the rape charge, with concurrent sentences for other charges.

The victim expressed her approval of the sentence, stating it was 'appropriate,' while Garda Supt Gerard Smith noted she was glad the ordeal was over.

The attack was described by Det Garda Seamus Nolan as one of the most vicious he had seen in his 22 years of service.