22/05/2008

Businessman Sentenced To Five Years For Raping Prostitute

A Waterford Businessman has been sentenced to five years after being convicted of raping a prostitute in a luxury hotel.

Billy Keogh, 46, who is married with six children was found guilty in Feburary of raping the 26 year-old Croatian woman who was working as a prostitute at the time.

Keogh of Wilder, Kilmeaden, Co Waterford hired the woman who was working for the Red Velvets Escort Agency, based in Cork.

Keogh denied both charges during his six day trial.

The victim rejected €30,000 compensation offered to her by Keogh, telling Mr Justice White she wouldn't accept the money unless directed by the court; the court refused to direct the client on the matter.

The court heard how the victim was now on two medications, suffering from anxiety due to the incident, and is receiving counselling in Croatia where she now has a well-paid job and is no longer involved in prostitution. When asked by counsel if she wished to say anything to Mr Justice White, she said: "It's not nice to (rape) anyone. No matter who I was or what I was doing, it's not nice."

Mr Justice White directed that Keogh's name be placed on the register of sex offenders and said: "It is quite clear to me that you are a man of good character and that you have brought shame and disgrace on yourself and shame and disgrace on your wife and children."

Keogh was originally sentenced to five years, but Mr Justice White suspended the final three years of the sentence.

(DW)


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