When the judicial system functions as intended, it is indeed a joy to behold. The sentencing today of Raymond Shorten, a taxi driver who preyed on vulnerable women and a child, is a testament to the law catching up with predators who can no longer hide behind their deceitful language and the all-too-common defence of “it was consensual.”
Raymond Shorten, from Melrose Crescent, Clondalkin in Dublin, was sentenced to a total of 30 years in prison for his heinous crimes. This includes 17 years for raping two young women on separate nights in 2022 and an additional 13 years for raping a seven-year-old girl twice and sexually assaulting her ten years prior. Mr. Justice Paul McDermott ruled that these sentences should run consecutively, ensuring that Shorten will be incarcerated for three decades.
The case of Raymond Shorten is particularly disturbing because it highlights the betrayal of trust placed in taxi drivers, who are expected to ensure the safety of their passengers. Judge McDermott emphasised the gravity of the situation, noting that women often face physical violence or threats when they go out to enjoy themselves. They are advised not to walk home alone or take public transportation late at night, leaving taxis as the seemingly safest option. Shorten’s actions shattered this trust, making his crimes resonate deeply within society.
Shorten’s pattern of predatory behaviour is alarming. In 2012, he raped a seven-year-old girl in her grandmother’s house on the day of her mother’s funeral, showing a complete lack of compassion and an utter disregard for the pain and suffering he inflicted. Judge Kerida Naidoo, who sentenced him to 13 years for these offenses, highlighted the severity of his actions and the long-term impact on the victim.
In 2022, while working as a taxi driver, Shorten raped two young women on separate nights. Both women were vulnerable due to alcohol consumption and Shorten exploited their incapacity. Despite his claims that the sexual activity was consensual, the jury found him guilty by unanimous verdict. The victim impact statements from these women were harrowing. One woman expressed her fear and disbelief that what she thought was a safe choice, taking a taxi, turned into a nightmare. The other woman was shocked that a predator like Shorten had not only attacked her but had also raped another girl.
Shorten’s defence counsel, Lorcan Staines, mentioned the personal consequences of the convictions, including the loss of his marriage and relationships with his elderly parents and children. However, Mr. Justice McDermott pointed out that Shorten’s previous conviction for raping a child was a serious aggravating factor. Shorten’s knowledge of his past crimes did not deter him from committing further offenses, demonstrating a complete lack of remorse and a significant danger to others.
The judge’s decision to impose consecutive sentences reflects the severity of Shorten’s actions and the need for justice for multiple victims. The sentences for the rapes of the two young women, nine years for the first and eight years for the second, will be served consecutively to each other and to the previous 13-year sentence for the rape of a child. This results in an effective prison sentence of 30 years.
This case highlights the importance of a functioning judicial system that holds predators accountable for their actions, and the need for continued vigilance and support for victims of sexual violence. The law is catching up with these predators, and they can no longer hide behind their deceitful defences. The sentencing of Raymond Shorten serves as a powerful message that justice can and will be served, providing a measure of solace to the victims and hopefully reinforcing the trust in our legal system, as so many have been let down before.
If you have experienced any form of abuse, coercive control, violence, or sexual violence, please reach out to the following …
Rape Crisis Centre – call 1800 77 8888
Women’s Aid – call 1800 341 900
An Garda Siochana – call 999 / 112
