Ireland Case No. 20271Rape · Co. Roscommon
Rape conviction quashed and retrial ordered in Co Roscommon case
Stephen Lynch, 33, a man, was convicted by a jury at the Central Criminal Court in May 2021 of raping his then partner's teenage sister, Lena Maughan, 15, at Monksfield, Bealnamulla, Athlone, Co Roscommon, in October 2015, and of sexually assaulting Romany Maughan, 22, and assaulting Cody Dunne, 22, at the same address in December 2015. He was sentenced to eight years and nine months imprisonment in July 2021. The Court of Appeal quashed the conviction and ordered a retrial in July 2023, citing concerns that jury members believed they were being photographed and that a portion of Lynch's garda interview had been redacted.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court20 Jul
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced12 Jul
5 reports
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Stephen Lynch, 33, a man, allegedly raped his then partner's teenage sister, Lena Maughan, 15 (reports differ: 21), after she came to see the baby at Monksfield, Bealnamulla, Athlone, Co Roscommon.
- Lynch gave Lena Maughan two tablets for a headache and then two further tablets, after which she felt dizzy and like she was drunk, before he took off her clothes and raped her.
- In December 2015, Lynch sexually assaulted Romany Maughan, 22, by pulling at her legs and trying to put his hand on her vagina and kiss her on the lips, and assaulted Cody Dunne, 22, by jumping over Romany Maughan, putting both knees on Cody Dunne's chest and choking him.
- Where
- The offences occurred at Monksfield, Bealnamulla, Athlone, Co Roscommon.
- When
- The rape occurred on 17 and 18 October 2015; the sexual assault and assault causing harm occurred on 18 and 19 December 2015.
- Charges
- Lynch pleaded not guilty to all charges.
- In court
- He was convicted by a jury at the Central Criminal Court in May 2021 of one count of rape, one count of sexual assault, and one count of assault causing harm.
- The Court of Appeal quashed the conviction and ordered a retrial in July 2023, citing concerns that jury members believed they were being photographed and that a portion of Lynch's garda interview had been redacted.
- Sentence
- He was sentenced to eight years and nine months imprisonment for the rape (reduced from nine years for three months in custody) and two years and nine months for sexual assault and assault causing harm, all concurrent, backdated to 31 May 2021.
- Other details
- Lynch has 11 previous convictions including assault, threatening and abusive behaviour, intoxication in a public place, and no insurance.
- The victims wished to waive their anonymity and wanted the accused named.
- Lynch is the father of two children with the sister of the two victims of the sexual offences.
87 statements extracted from the articles
- whatLynch raped his then partner's teenage sister after she came to see the baby. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whatLena Maughan (21) attended to see the baby and was given two tablets for a headache. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whatAfter taking the tablets she felt dizzy and like she was drunk. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whatHe brought a mattress into the living room, told her to lie down, and gave her two further tablets. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whatHe took off her clothes, got on top of her and raped her. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whatAfter the incident she could not walk properly and her entire body was sore. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whatRomany Maughan (22) and Cody Dunne (22) stayed over to see the baby. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whatLynch came into the bedroom and began pulling at her legs. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whatLynch was convicted of one count of rape at Monksfield, Bealnamulla, Athlone, Co Roscommon, on October 17 and 18, 2015. (longfordleader.ie)
- whatLynch was convicted of one count each of sexual assault and assault causing harm at the same address on December 18 and 19, 2015. (longfordleader.ie)
- whatLena Maughan attended the address to see the baby her sister had recently given birth to. (longfordleader.ie)
- whatLynch gave Lena Maughan two tablets after which she felt dizzy and like she was drunk. (longfordleader.ie)
- whatLynch brought a mattress into the living room, told her to lie down, gave her two further tablets, then took off her clothes and raped her. (longfordleader.ie)
- whatRomany Maughan and her friend Cody Dunne stayed over at the same address in December 2015 to see the baby. (longfordleader.ie)
- whatLynch tried to put his hand on Romany Maughan's vagina and kiss her on the lips while she told him to stop. (longfordleader.ie)
- whatLynch jumped over Romany Maughan, put both knees on Cody Dunne's chest and started choking him. (longfordleader.ie, leinsterexpress.ie, kildarenow.com)
- whatLynch had an address at Marian Place, Tullamore, Co Offaly (thejournal.ie)
- whatLena Maughan (21) attended to see the baby her sister had recently given birth (thejournal.ie)
- whatLynch gave her two tablets after which she felt dizzy and like she was drunk (thejournal.ie)
- whatHe brought a mattress into the living room, told her to lie down, and gave her two further tablets before raping her (thejournal.ie)
- whatAfter the incident the victim could not walk properly and her entire body was sore (thejournal.ie)
- whatRomany Maughan (22) and Cody Dunne (22) stayed over to see the baby in December 2015 (thejournal.ie)
- whatLynch came into the bedroom and began pulling at Romany Maughan's legs (thejournal.ie)
- whatHe tried to put his hand on her vagina and kiss her on the lips while she told him to stop (thejournal.ie)
- whatLynch gave the victim two tablets, then two further tablets, after which she felt dizzy and like she was drunk before he raped her. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatThe victim had never had sex prior to being raped by the accused. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatIn December 2015, Lynch tried to put his hand on Romany Maughan's vagina and kiss her on the lips while she told him to stop. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whatThe rape victim was 15 at the time of the offence. (kildarenow.com)
- whatThe rape was accomplished in part by drugging the victim and in part by force. (kildarenow.com)
- whatLynch gave the victim two tablets, then two further tablets, after which she felt dizzy and like she was drunk. (kildarenow.com)
- whatIn December 2015, Lynch came into the bedroom, pulled at Romany Maughan's legs, tried to put his hand on her vagina and kiss her on the lips. (kildarenow.com)
- whatStephen Lynch was convicted by a jury in May 2021 of one count of rape. (thejournal.ie)
- whatLynch was also convicted of sexual assault and assault causing harm at the same address. (thejournal.ie)
- whereThe offences occurred at Monksfield, Bealnamulla, Athlone, Co Roscommon. (offalyexpress.ie, thejournal.ie)
- whereThe rape offence was alleged to have happened at a house at Monksfield, Bealnamulla, Athlone, Co Roscommon. (thejournal.ie)
- whenThe rape occurred on October 17 and 18, 2015. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whenThe sexual assault and assault causing harm occurred on December 18 and 19, 2015. (offalyexpress.ie)
- whenThe rape occurred on 17 and 18 October 2015 (thejournal.ie)
- whenThe sexual assault and assault causing harm occurred on 18 and 19 December 2015 (thejournal.ie)
- whenThe rape occurred on 17 and 18 October 2015 at Monksfield, Bealnamulla, Athlone, Co Roscommon. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whenThe sexual assault and assault causing harm occurred on 18 and 19 December 2015 at the same address. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- whenThe rape took place on October 17 and 18, 2015, at Monksfield, Bealnamulla, Athlone, Co Roscommon. (kildarenow.com)
- whenThe sexual assault and assault causing harm took place on December 18 and 19, 2015, at the same address. (kildarenow.com)
- whenThe rape was alleged to have happened between 17 and 18 October 2015. (thejournal.ie)
- causeJurors complained to their jury minder that a person associated with the defence appeared to be taking photographs of them. (thejournal.ie)
- investigationGardaí retrieved a suspect phone but no photos were found. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeLynch pleaded not guilty to all charges. (kildarenow.com, thejournal.ie)
- courtHe was convicted by a jury at the Central Criminal Court in May 2021. (offalyexpress.ie)
- courtThe sentencing took place at the Central Criminal Court. (longfordleader.ie)
- courtThe case was tried at the Central Criminal Court with a jury conviction in May 2021 (thejournal.ie)
- courtThe trial and sentencing took place at the Central Criminal Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- courtLynch was convicted by a jury following a trial in May 2021 at the Central Criminal Court. (kildarenow.com)
- courtPart of Lynch's garda interview was redacted because the prosecution said it amounted to expert opinion. (thejournal.ie)
- courtThe Court of Appeal said the jury concern and the edited interview together raised concerns about the fairness of the trial. (thejournal.ie)
- sentenceStephen Lynch was sentenced to eight years and nine months imprisonment for the rape offence. (offalyexpress.ie, longfordleader.ie)
- sentenceThe sentence was reduced from nine years to account for three months previously spent in custody. (offalyexpress.ie, longfordleader.ie, leinsterexpress.ie)
- sentenceHe was sentenced to two years and nine months for sexual assault and assault causing harm. (offalyexpress.ie)
- sentenceAll sentences were ordered to run concurrently for an effective sentence of eight years and nine months. (offalyexpress.ie)
- sentenceSentences were backdated to May 31, 2021, when he first went into custody. (offalyexpress.ie)
- sentenceLynch was also sentenced to two years and nine months for sexual assault and assault causing harm, all running concurrent. (longfordleader.ie)
- sentenceAll sentences were backdated to May 31, 2021, when Lynch first went into custody. (longfordleader.ie)
- sentenceLynch was sentenced to eight years and nine months imprisonment for the rape offence (thejournal.ie, leinsterexpress.ie, kildarenow.com)
- sentenceThe sentence was reduced from nine years to account for three months in custody (thejournal.ie)
- sentenceHe was sentenced to two years and nine months for sexual assault and assault causing harm, all concurrent (thejournal.ie)
- sentenceLynch was sentenced to two years and nine months for both sexual assault and assault causing harm. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- sentenceAll sentences were ordered to run concurrent for an effective operative sentence of eight years and nine months. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- sentenceAll sentences were backdated to 31 May 2021 when Lynch first went into custody following his conviction. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- sentenceThe rape sentence was reduced from nine years to account for three months previously in custody. (kildarenow.com)
- sentenceLynch was sentenced to two years and nine months for both sexual assault and assault causing harm, all concurrent. (kildarenow.com)
- sentenceThe Court of Appeal quashed the conviction and ordered a retrial. (thejournal.ie)
- otherHe had pleaded not guilty to all charges. (offalyexpress.ie)
- otherHe has 11 previous convictions including assault, threatening and abusive behaviour, intoxication in a public place and no insurance. (offalyexpress.ie, thejournal.ie)
- otherThe victim had never had sex prior to being raped. (offalyexpress.ie, thejournal.ie)
- otherLynch had pleaded not guilty to all charges. (longfordleader.ie, thejournal.ie)
- otherLynch has 11 previous convictions including assault, threatening and abusive behaviour, intoxication in a public place and no insurance. (longfordleader.ie, leinsterexpress.ie, kildarenow.com)
- otherThe victims wished to waive their anonymity and wanted the accused named. (longfordleader.ie, leinsterexpress.ie, kildarenow.com)
- otherThe rape was aggravated by the victim being 15 and the accused being a mature adult, accomplished in part by drugging and in part by force. (longfordleader.ie, leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherLynch had not displayed remorse, made an apology or undergone rehabilitation. (longfordleader.ie)
- otherLynch served five years in the army including seven months in Lebanon. (longfordleader.ie, leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherLynch is the father of two children with the sister of the two victims of sexual offences. (longfordleader.ie, leinsterexpress.ie, kildarenow.com)
- otherThe victims wish to waive their anonymity and want the accused named (thejournal.ie)
- otherThe judge noted Lynch had not displayed any remorse, made any apology or undergone any rehabilitation. (leinsterexpress.ie)
- otherThe rape victim had never had sex prior to being raped by Lynch. (kildarenow.com)
- otherLynch joined the army for five years during which he spent seven months in Lebanon. (kildarenow.com)
- otherLynch had not displayed any remorse, made any apology or undergone any rehabilitation. (kildarenow.com)
- otherLynch co-operated with the garda investigation by answering questions at interview. (kildarenow.com)
- otherLynch received treatment for anxiety. (kildarenow.com)
The reporting
newest first- 20 Jul2023Rape conviction quashed in case where jury members believed they were being photographed
Reports the Court of Appeal's decision to quash the 2021 conviction and order a retrial, and explains the jury photography concern and the redacted interview evidence.
convicted, Stephen Lynch, 33, male, named, irish (judged from name)Stephen Lynchvictim, 15, femalevictim, female - 12 Jul2021Man jailed for sexually abusing partner's younger sisters
Reports the sentencing: 8 years 9 months for rape (reduced from 9 years for 3 months prior custody), 2 years 9 months each for sexual assault and assault causing harm, all concurrent. Includes details of the offences, victim impact statements, and defence submissions.
accused, Stephen Lynch, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Stephen Lynchvictim, Lena Maughan, 21, female, irish (judged from name)Lena Maughanvictim, Romany Maughan, 22, female, irish (judged from name)Romany Maughanvictim, Cody Dunne, 22, male, irish (judged from name)Cody Dunne - 12 Jul2021Midlands man who abused his partner's sisters jailed
Reports the sentencing on 12 July 2021, including details of the offences, victim impact statements, the judge's reasoning, and the concurrent sentences imposed.
convicted, Stephen Lynch, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Stephen Lynchvictim, Lena Maughan, 15, female, irish (judged from name)Lena Maughanvictim, Romany Maughan, 22, female, irish (judged from name)Romany Maughanvictim, Cody Dunne, 22, male, irish (judged from name)Cody Dunne - 12 Jul2021Man who sexually abused two of his partner's sisters jailed for eight years
Reports the sentencing: eight years and nine months for rape (reduced from nine years to account for three months in custody), two years and nine months for sexual assault and assault causing harm, all concurrent. Includes details of the evidence given by Sgt Paul McNally and victim impact statements from all three victims.
convicted, Stephen Lynch, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Stephen Lynchvictim, Lena Maughan, 21, female, irish (judged from name)Lena Maughanvictim, Romany Maughan, 22, female, irish (judged from name)Romany Maughanvictim, Cody Dunne, 22, male, irish (judged from name)Cody Dunne - 12 Jul2021Man jailed for sexually abusing partner's younger sisters
Reports the sentencing of Stephen Lynch to eight years and nine months (backdated to 31 May 2021) for rape, sexual assault and assault causing harm, with details of the offences, victim impact statements and the judge's reasoning.
victim, Lena Maughan, 21, female, irish (judged from name)Lena Maughanvictim, Romany Maughan, 22, female, irish (judged from name)Romany Maughanvictim, Cody Dunne, 22, male, irish (judged from name)Cody Dunneaccused, Stephen Lynch, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Stephen Lynch - 12 Jul2021Offaly man who abused his partner's sisters jailed
Sentencing details: Mr Justice David Keane imposed eight years and nine months for rape (reduced from nine years for three months in custody), two years and nine months for sexual assault and assault causing harm, all concurrent, backdated to May 31, 2021.
victim, Lena Maughan, 21, female, irish (judged from name)Lena Maughanvictim, Romany Maughan, 22, female, irish (judged from name)Romany Maughanvictim, Cody Dunne, 22, male, irish (judged from name)Cody Dunneconvicted, Stephen Lynch, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Stephen Lynch