A 20-year-old man who received a controversial suspended sentence after being convicted of rape has been sent to prison for breaching the terms under which his sentence was suspended.
Adam Keane of Barnageeha, Daragh, Co Clare was given a three-year suspended sentence for the rape of mother of three Mary Shannon, in May 2005.
Mr Justice Paul Carney said he was satisfied he made a triumphal gesture by flicking a cigarette at Ms Shannon.
Mary Shannon told Mr Justice Carney that Adam Keane was on the same train home as her after the sentencing hearing on 12 March.
After they left the train at Ennis, she said he looked straight at her as he was getting into his mother's car, raised his hand and flicked his cigarette butt at her.
Her two sisters and her father supported her in court.
Mr Justice Carney said he accepted the substance of the Shannon family's evidence.
He outlined the reasons why he had imposed a suspended sentence and said he had known the vituperation that would fall on his head from all quarters.
The judge said in view of the limb the court had gone out on in respect of Adam Keane, he should have acted with the greatest circumspection.
He should not have travelled on the same train and should have avoided all contact.
He said Keane had breached the bond he entered into when his sentence was suspended.
Mr Justice Carney lifted the suspension and ordered him to serve the three-year sentence from today.
Ms Shannon and her sisters burst into tears and afterwards she said she was relieved.
