Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 11218Rape · Co. Cork

Horse riding coach jailed for nine years for rape of 14-year-old girl, Cork

William Connolly, a horse-riding coach in his sixties, of Greenlands, Rathcoursey, Midleton, Co Cork, was tried over offences against a 14-year-old girl committed in County Cork between August and December 2019. The offences came to light when the girl's mother found two texts from him on her phone. He first entered custody on 19 December 2025, and at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork he was found guilty by unanimous verdict of three counts of rape, one count of oral rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of exploitation of a child for sexual activity. Ms Justice Lankford jailed him for nine years, backdated to 19 December 2025, with no basis for suspension, and he still denies all wrongdoing.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced1 Feb
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A horse-riding coach in his sixties was jailed for nine years for raping a 14-year-old girl.
Where
The offences took place in a number of locations in County Cork, and the case was heard at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork.
When
The offences took place between August and December 2019.
Investigation
The offences came to light when the girl's mother found two texts from the defendant on her phone.
Charges
William Connolly of Greenlands, Rathcoursey, Midleton, Co Cork was tried for the offences.
In court
He was found guilty by unanimous verdict of three counts of rape, one count of oral rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of exploitation of a child for the purpose of sexual activity.
Sentence
Ms Justice Lankford jailed him for nine years, with the sentence backdated to 19 December 2025, when he first entered custody, and said there was no basis for suspending any portion.
Cause
The judge described the conduct as a gross breach of trust, and the defendant groomed the girl by giving her alcohol and equestrian clothing.
Other details
  • The judge noted his previous good character, his serious medical difficulties and that he had been described as a good father.
  • The defendant still denies all wrongdoing.
  • The court was told the defendant can be named once the complainant is not identified.
  • Publication dates differ across sources: the article is listed as dated 1 February 2026, while its byline shows 13 February 2026.
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA horse-riding coach in his sixties was jailed for nine years for raping a 14-year-old girl. (thejournal.ie)
  • whereThe case was heard at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork. (thejournal.ie)
  • whereThe offences took place in a number of locations in County Cork. (thejournal.ie)
  • whenThe offences took place between August and December 2019. (thejournal.ie)
  • investigationThe offences came to light when the girl's mother found two texts from the defendant on her phone. (thejournal.ie)
  • chargeWilliam Connolly of Greenlands, Rathcoursey, Midleton, Co Cork was tried for the offences. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtHe was found guilty by unanimous verdict of three counts of rape, one count of oral rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of exploitation of a child for the purpose of sexual activity. (thejournal.ie)
  • sentenceMs Justice Lankford jailed the defendant for nine years. (thejournal.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge said there was no basis for suspending any portion of the sentence. (thejournal.ie)
  • sentenceThe sentence was backdated to 19 December 2025, when the defendant first entered custody. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe defendant groomed the girl by giving her alcohol and equestrian clothing. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe judge noted the previous good character of the defendant, his serious medical difficulties and that he had been described as a good father. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe defendant still denies all wrongdoing. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe court was told the defendant can be named once the complainant is not identified. (thejournal.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 1 Feb2026
    Sentencedthejournal.ie, first report
    Horse riding coach in his 60s jailed for nine years for rape of 14-year-old girl

    Reports the verdict, the nine-year sentence backdated to 19 December 2025, the trial evidence and the victim's impact statement.

    convicted, William Connolly, sixties, male, named, irish (judged from name)William Connollyvictim, 14, female