Statement on sentencing of Raymond Shorten 

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has strongly welcomed today’s sentence of 17 years handed down to rapist Raymond Shorten, which will run consecutively to his 13-year sentence earlier this week for the rape of a child. 

DRCC Chief Executive Rachel Morrogh said: “Dublin Rape Crisis Centre welcomes the sentence of 17 years handed down to rapist Raymond Shorten today (25 July 2024). We are also very thankful for the ruling by Mr Justice Paul McDermott that this sentence will run consecutively to the 13-year sentence given earlier this week for his rape of a 7-year-old girl.  

“The total jail term of 30 years is effectively equivalent to a life sentence. It is another significant sentence given by the courts in recent weeks to perpetrators of sexual offences and should give great hope to people going through the justice system that this most heinous crime will be punished by lengthy imprisonment. 

“As well as being welcomed by victims of sexual violence, the sentence should also send a message of zero tolerance to perpetrators. In this particular case, Raymond Shorten abused the trust placed in him by two young women to get home safely and took advantage of the fact they were vulnerable. He compounded the trauma he caused by denying all charges and attempting to discredit his victims. 

“From start to finish, Raymond Shorten’s actions were part of a playbook used by rapists. Abusing trust and taking advantage of an unequal power dynamic are well-worn tactics. The jury that found Raymond Shorten guilty in June clearly saw through these efforts and Mr. Justice Paul McDermott has driven home the seriousness of his crimes with the 17-year jail term announced today. 

“It is the hope of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre that the trend of substantial sentences being handed down for sexual crimes continues, and that this will encourage more victims to report to Gardai.    

“Sadly, this country is not yet at a point where the elimination of sexual violence is in sight. Until that day comes, sexual crimes must be punished severely and that was certainly the case today.” 

“We send wishes of healing and strength to the three young women who were attacked by Shorten and we thank them for speaking out,” said Ms Morrogh. 

 

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Notes for editors:    

1. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is a non-governmental, voluntary organisation which has as its mission to prevent the harm and heal the trauma of rape. It offers a suite of services to victims/survivors of sexual violence. It also offers a wide range of training and education to professionals and volunteers.   
2. Other DRCC services and work:  
   • DRCC operates the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 778888 to support anyone affected by sexual violence in any part of the country. A webchat support service is available online at drcc.ie Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm. A Helpline Interpreting Service is available for those who do not speak English - more at https://bit.ly/DRCClang  
   • For those contacting the Helpline who are deaf or hard of hearing, we provide a text service, operating Mon-Fri from 8am to 6:30pm, at 086-8238443 and we also have a webchat service available Monday-Friday, 10am to 5pm, except holidays. 
   • Information on your options after sexual violence is available for free online at any time at www.drcc.ie/fyw in the Finding Your Way after Sexual Violence guide. 
   • DRCC offers counselling & therapy to adult survivors of sexual violence and to older adolescents from 16 years of age with parental/guardian consent. 
   • DRCC provides accompaniment support for the Rotunda Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, to court or to Garda stations to people in Dublin and in surrounding areas, by arrangement.    
   • We-Consent is a new long-term national programme to inform, educate and engage with all members of our society about consent. More information and resources on having consent conversations at https://www.we-consent.ie/ 
   • DRCC has outreach offices at Coolock, Dóchas Women’s Centre, Balbriggan & Tallaght. Access to these services must be arranged via the National Helpline 1800 778888 during working hours, Mon-Fri.    
3. We ask that when reporting on this topic, journalists should remember that discussions on sexual violence can trigger personal trauma in those receiving the information. Where possible, please make reference to the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 77 88 88  for anyone who may be affected by the discussion.