In 2022, the Offender Database reported that five men were convicted of a series of “vicious” sexual offences against a 17-year-old girl in the Republic of Ireland. On 7 April 2022, following a trial at the Central Criminal Court, a jury returned guilty verdicts against four defendants, while a fifth man had previously admitted his guilt. The “vile” attacks occurred in December 2016 across multiple locations in Tullamore, County Offaly, and Kilbeggan, County Westmeath.
The investigation established that the victim, then a child, had been out with friends in Tullamore on 26 December 2016 when she accepted a lift from the group. During the journey, she was falsely imprisoned in the car and subjected to a “nightmare” ordeal of repeated sexual assaults and rapes. The prosecution reported that the victim felt “paralysed” and “suffocated” as she was driven between locations, including Harbour Road in Kilbeggan and Whitehall car park in Tullamore, where the men took turns attacking her despite her pleas to stop.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
Ms Justice Karen O’Connor emphasised that the victim, who provided evidence with “absolute dignity,” was a “very brave young woman.” The court reported that the forensic and testimonial evidence proved the acts were entirely non-consensual. The judge emphasised the gravity of the “vile” offending by exempting the jurors from further jury service for the rest of their lives.
The prosecution emphasised the coordinated nature of the assaults, noting that the victim described feeling like she was in “autopilot” as she was moved between the front and back of the vehicle. The judge emphasised that the victim was only allowed to leave once the men finally stopped holding onto her. For their crimes in Offaly and Westmeath, the court determined that the men should be remanded in custody pending a sentencing hearing to reflect the “despicable” violation of a child’s safety.
Convictions and Statutory Requirements
The following men were convicted of their crimes in Ireland:
- Marcus De Silva Umbelino, then 22, of Kilbeggan, Westmeath: Convicted of rape and sexual assault.
- Eduardo Dias Ferreiera Filho, then 24, of Kilbeggan, Westmeath: Convicted of oral rape, sexual assault, and false imprisonment.
- Gabriel Gomes Da Rocha, then 24, of Rahan, Offaly: Convicted of rape at two locations, sexual assault, and false imprisonment.
- Ethan Nikolaou, then 23, of Kilbeggan, Westmeath: Convicted of two counts of sexual assault.
- Conor Byrne, then 24, of Moate, Westmeath: Pled guilty to rape.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Upon sentencing, all five men will be subject to the mandatory requirements of the Sex Offenders Act 2001. They will be managed by An Garda Síochána and the Probation Service to ensure the “vicious” nature of their offending is strictly monitored upon any eventual release into the community.
As registered sex offenders, the men must provide accurate details regarding their residences in Kilbeggan, Moate, and Tullamore. Authorities state that the victims of such “despicable” group-based attacks require the highest level of protection through stringent post-release supervision. Any breach of their registration conditions or future “vile” conduct will result in immediate arrest and return to the Central Criminal Court.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.