Convicted Westmeath Rapist's Former Employers 'Had No Idea' Of Accusations Against Him

Wednesday, 3 July 2024 at 08:28

Mr. Moran was sentenced for the crime earlier this week.

The former employer of a Westmeath man jailed for eight years for rape says it had no idea of the accusations against him.

26-year-old Jonathan Johnny Moran, of Tower View, Mullingar, was sentenced earlier this week for the rape of Bláthnaid Raleigh in 2019.

A colleague of Mr. Moran, who was an employee of manufacturing company Mergon, based in Castlepollard, submitted a character reference, which was later withdrawn before the hearing commenced - however the company says it was made in a 'personal capacity.'

It also says the reference was provided without notification to, or authorisation from, Mergon, and wasn't written on behalf of the company.

Mergon wasn't aware of the accusations against, or the subsequent conviction, of Mr. Moran, prior to June 18th, and it says it is the appalled by the 'horrific assault.'

Mr. Moran's employment at the company has also been terminated.