Mr Justice Burns criticized two men for showing “callous amusement” in videos recorded during the incident, stating they displayed no remorse.
The judge highlighted that while Zolfaghari was convicted of only one offence, his role in recording the videos placed his behaviour in the overall context of the night.
He added that it was “difficult to see his behaviour as significantly less culpable” than the actions of the other men.
Mr Justice Burns ordered all three men to remain under the supervision of the Probation Services for three years after their release. He also confirmed that their sentences would be backdated when they entered custody.
Extending his best wishes to the victim, the judge expressed hope that she would experience a further recovery with the support of her family and appropriate services.
Praising the gardaí, Mr Justice Burns commended their “excellent and painstaking” efforts throughout the investigation.
Following the court’s conclusion, many men’s supporters gathered at the back of the courtroom. Some shouted, “I love you,” while others gave thumbs-up gestures to the men.
When gardaí instructed the group to leave, one female supporter replied, “We are all very upset right now. Give us a minute.” Another female voice claimed the men were “over-sentenced” and “innocent.”
Source: journal.ie
