MICHAEL ALLEN FROM BALLYHAUNIS, CO MAYO, SENTENCED FOR RAPE ON 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In June 2008, a disturbing case unfolded at the Central Criminal Court involving Michael Allen, a 29-year-old man from Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, who was convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl on her birthday. The incident took place after a night out at a local disco, where Allen, a father of three, subjected the young girl to a traumatic assault that would leave lasting scars.

According to court proceedings, Allen approached the girl as he was bringing her home from the disco. During the ordeal, he made a chilling remark, saying, "this can be your present," before forcing himself upon her. The court heard that Allen claimed to Gardaí that the encounter was consensual and that both parties enjoyed it, a statement he made despite the girl’s clear distress and resistance.

The teenage victim testified that she had tried to push Allen away and repeatedly told him to stop during the assault inside his car. Her emotional testimony revealed that she was crying when Allen raped her, and she begged him to cease his actions. She recounted that after the assault, Allen dropped her off and she immediately contacted her sister, confiding in her about the attack.

Her sister provided evidence that she received a distressing phone call around 2 a.m., during which the girl was hysterical, crying, and hyperventilating. The victim explained that she was in an extremely upset state, describing her experience as an attack. Her sister responded swiftly, rushing out to meet her on the road, where she found her in a terrible emotional state, still crying and breathing heavily.

Detective Garda John Mulligan provided additional context, revealing that Allen had a criminal record comprising five previous convictions between 2001 and 2006. These included charges of larceny, criminal damage, handling stolen property, failing to appear in court, and road traffic offences. The court was also informed that Allen was receiving disability benefits and had a history of alcohol abuse, as noted by defence counsel Brendan Grehan.

Mr Justice Barry White acknowledged the seriousness of the offence, emphasizing that Allen’s character could not be considered previously good and recognizing the profound impact on the young girl. The judge noted the prosecution’s recommendation that the crime fell within the upper to mid-range of sentencing severity. He also pointed out that Allen’s decision to deny guilt and not admit to the offence had denied himself a potential reduction in sentence and spared the victim from further trauma during cross-examination.

Ultimately, Allen was sentenced to ten years in prison. However, the court suspended the final three years of this sentence, subject to strict conditions. Additionally, Mr Justice White ordered that Allen’s name be entered onto the sex offenders register, reflecting the gravity of his crime and the need for ongoing monitoring.