Two men who raped teenager in underground car park jailed
Alcino Soares and Luis Dos Martins Mariano each sentenced to six years for 2023 Dungannon attack
Two men, Luis Dos Martins Mariano, 20, and Alcino Soares, 21, have been sentenced to six years in prison for raping a 19-year-old woman in an underground car park in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, on September 10th, 2023. The victim had been out with friends when the men approached her and brought her to the secluded location, where Mariano raped her while Soares watched and laughed.
Soares pleaded guilty to the charge, but Mariano initially denied the allegations. Both men had moved to Northern Ireland from East Timor as young adults, and the judge acknowledged their age and youth at the time of the crime. The victim's bravery in coming forward was commended by the judge, who noted their harmful sexual violence and lack of empathy or awareness of their actions.
Mariano expressed concern about deportation, while Soares attributed his actions to alcohol, showing a "sheer lack of insight" with disregard for the victim's well-being. The judge deemed this a prolonged and cowardly attack, noting the planning evident in choosing the deserted car park. Both men will serve their sentences concurrently and are subject to life-long sex offender registration and a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
Written by urgent.news from The Irish Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
