PATRICK MURTAGH SENTENCED TO 19 YEARS FOR RAPE IN NORTHWOOD AND STOKE-ON-TRENT

In March 2016, Patrick Murtagh, a 54-year-old man from Northwood, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of raping a teenage girl. The assault took place during a period of mourning, as the victim was grieving following a family funeral, an emotionally vulnerable time that Murtagh exploited.

Details of the incident revealed that Murtagh forcibly grabbed his young victim, forcing her to the ground before committing the sexual assault. After the act, he casually lit a cigarette, behaving as if nothing had happened, which added a disturbing layer to the crime. The victim, overwhelmed by shame and fear, was unable to report the assault immediately and kept silent for several years.

It was only in 2014 that she found the courage to come forward and report the crime to the authorities. Following a thorough investigation, Murtagh was brought to trial in January, where he was found guilty of rape. The court heard how the trauma inflicted by Murtagh has had a profound and lasting impact on the victim’s mental health and overall well-being.

During the sentencing hearing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, the victim read a heartfelt statement describing the devastating effects of the assault. She explained how the experience has led her to suffer from nightmares, depression, and suicidal thoughts. She stated, “This man has made me a completely different person. He put me in the darkest places. I felt I was nothing, I felt so dirty. Maybe with him in prison I can finally move on with my life. Maybe I can begin to properly enjoy life to its full, knowing he is off the streets.”

The victim also expressed her frustration and pain, emphasizing that Murtagh showed no remorse for his actions. She recounted how the trauma caused her to attempt to take her own life by pouring tablets down her throat, and how it disrupted her sleep, caused nausea, and led to time off work due to depression.

In mitigation, Delroy Henry acknowledged that Murtagh, of Keelings Road, Northwood, was aware that he faced a significant prison sentence. The court sentenced him to 13 years in custody, with an additional six years on license, totaling a 19-year extended sentence. Murtagh will also be registered on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, and he has been prohibited from engaging in activities involving children. Furthermore, he was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until further notice.

Recorder Tracey Lloyd-Nesling commented on the case, stating, “You got away with this until 2014 when she could no longer cope. It is quite clear your behaviour has had a profound impact upon her and her life. You caused her to try to take her own life. It is to her great credit and a tribute to the strength of her character that she has built a good life for herself.”

Staffordshire Police expressed their support for the conviction, emphasizing their commitment to justice. A police spokesperson said, “The sentence sends out a strong message that we will not tolerate such crimes. It takes courage to come forward and report sensitive matters, and we would like to acknowledge the victim’s bravery. We are committed to investigating all reports of sexual offences, even if they date back several years.”