Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Raping Daughter’s Friend in Galway

UPDATE: A man has been sentenced to five years and two months in prison for the rape of his daughter’s friend at his home on the outskirts of Galway City. Iosif Ghergut, aged 50, pled guilty to one count of oral rape and one count of sexual assault during a hearing at the Central Criminal Court. This shocking case highlights the urgent need for awareness surrounding sexual violence and victim safety.

The disturbing events occurred on the night of October 10, 2021, when Ghergut, while celebrating his daughter’s birthday, assaulted Jade MacFarlane, who had been socializing with his daughter. The court heard that Ghergut’s actions took place after the two had returned from outside, where they had been smoking. At approximately 4 AM, as guests began to leave, Ghergut forced MacFarlane into a bathroom, where he locked the door and assaulted her.

Ms. Justice Karen O’Connor outlined the case’s aggravating factors, noting that MacFarlane was in a place she should have felt safe—someone she trusted. The age disparity of 27 years between Ghergut and MacFarlane compounded the severity of the crime. The victim was unable to escape the bathroom and was told to “Shhhh” during the assault.

In her sentencing remarks, Justice O’Connor acknowledged the profound impact on MacFarlane, referencing her victim impact statement. She emphasized that Ghergut’s earlier guilty plea, although late, was significant for the victim. Ghergut was sentenced to eight and a half years for the oral rape charge, reduced to five years and eight months, and six years for sexual assault, reduced to four years, with both sentences running concurrently.

The judge also suspended the final six months of his sentence, allowing Ghergut to be supervised by the Probation Services for 12 months after his release. The probation report indicated a low risk of reoffending, noting Ghergut’s lack of previous convictions and his cooperation with authorities.

After the assault, MacFarlane was taken to a local sexual assault treatment unit, where she was found to have bruises and cuts. DNA evidence taken from the scene matched Ghergut, leading to his arrest. Initially, Ghergut denied having penetrative sex but later admitted to kissing and engaging in oral sex, claiming it was consensual.

Defense counsel described Ghergut as “utterly ashamed” for his actions and expressed remorse for hurting someone who was a friend of his daughter. Ghergut’s family reportedly expressed shock and disgust at his behavior.

This case underscores the ongoing issues surrounding sexual violence and the need for societal change to protect vulnerable individuals. The legal community and advocacy groups continue to emphasize the importance of support for victims and the necessity of stringent penalties for offenders.

As public awareness grows, it is crucial to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing issues of sexual violence. The implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom, prompting discussions about safety, trust, and the responsibilities we hold towards one another in our communities.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.