Convicted rapist and killer jailed for robbery weeks after release

A convicted killer and rapist was jailed after he robbed a corner shop just eight weeks after serving a lengthy prison sentence.

Ian Horgan, (31) originally from Ballincollig, Co Cork, was 16, when he raped and strangled 22-year-old beautician Rachel Kiely in a public park in October 2000.

In 2007 he was jailed for 12 years for rape and manslaughter after a previous conviction for murder was deemed unsafe by the Court of Criminal Appeal.

In 2010 he received a four year jail sentence for a robbing an elderly couple in a rural post office while he was awaiting a retrial for Rachel Kiely’s killing.

After his release from prison in 2013, the Cork native moved to Lenihan Avenue in Limerick city . Eight weeks after his release on November 21st 2013, he robbed Sean's Shop in Johnsgate, Limerick.

In his evidence at Limerick Circuit Court Sergeant Vincent Brick described how Horgan entered the shop and jumped the counter when he saw that the manager had stepped outside briefly and the till was open.

The shop manager rugby tackled the thief who was wearing white gloves to the ground and traded blows during a “frenzied struggle” before Horgan stole €60.

The shop manager managed to pull off the scarf Horgan was using to cover his face and which he left at the scene.

His DNA was found on the scarf after gardai forensically analysed the material. When he was arrested, Horgan made full admissions and claimed that the robbery was opportunistic when he saw the till open.

The court was given a detailed account of Horgan’s previous convictions including the rape and manslaughter of Rachel Kiely and the robbery at the rural Cork post office where the owners were tied up in the kitchen.

Defence Counsel Brian McInerney said his client was fully co-operative with gardai and has been in custody since he was charged.

Before imposing sentence, Judge O’Donnell said that Horgan was at liberty for a short period, when he committed the robbery and if he continues to make these types of decisions he will wind up in custody.

Judge O’Donnell imposed a five-year jail term but suspended the last 12 months and back dated the sentence to when Horgan first went into custody.