Two men aged in their 20s have been jailed for the rape of a young woman in an underground car park in Dungannon, Co Tyrone three years ago.
Alcino Soares and Luis Martins dos Mariano, both aged 20 and from Dungannon, received a sentence of six year's imprisonment (three in prison, three on licence), at Dungannon Crown Court today.
They are subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for life.
The court heard that on Sunday 10 September 2023 police received a report of a serious sexual assault on a woman that had occurred in the early hours of the morning in Dungannon town centre.
Police attended and spoke to the young woman, who had been confronted by Soares and Mariano.
The court heard that they dragged her into an underground car park, on Sloan Street, where they subjected her to a sustained serious sexual assault.
The victim then managed to make her way back to her friends, and ultimately, home.
Both Soares and Mariano were arrested for rape and were interviewed and charged.
Mariano pleaded guilty at his arraignment and Soares later pleaded before trial was due to start.
Both were on remand until today’s sentencing.
Detective Chief Inspector Steph Finlay described it as an "appalling" and "deeply distressing" attack on a woman who "should have been able to make her way home safely after meeting with friends".
"The actions of these two men were predatory, degrading and showed a complete disregard for their victim," he said.
"I want to pay tribute to the tremendous courage she has shown throughout what has undoubtedly been an extremely difficult and traumatic process," he added.
He said the sentences hold both men accountable for their actions and that he hopes they provide the victim with "some measure of reassurance that those responsible have been brought to justice".
He added: "Our message to anyone who has experienced sexual violence or abuse is clear: please speak to us.
"We understand how difficult it can be to come forward, and reports will be treated with sensitivity and respect.
"We remain committed to investigating sexual offences, supporting victims and bringing offenders before the courts."
