Additional Coverage:
- Irish firefighter Terence Crosbie jailed for up to 9 years over Boston St Patrick’s Day rape (irishstar.com)
Irish Firefighter Sentenced for Boston Hotel Rape
BOSTON – An Irish firefighter has been sentenced to 7 to 9 years in state prison after being found guilty of raping a woman at a Boston hotel during St. Patrick’s Day weekend in 2024. Terence Crosbie, 39, of Dublin, received his sentence today from Judge Joshua Wall, who described Crosbie’s actions as an act of “extraordinary sexual violence.”
Crosbie’s sentencing follows a second trial, with the first having resulted in a deadlocked jury. Throughout both proceedings, Crosbie maintained his innocence, taking the stand to testify. A jury ultimately delivered a guilty verdict on October 24 after more than 15 hours of deliberation.
Before the sentence was announced, Judge Wall acknowledged receiving numerous letters attesting to Crosbie’s character from friends and colleagues within the Dublin fire brigade. Crosbie himself addressed the court, stating, “I dedicated over 18 years of my life to selflessly serving the people of Dublin. I hope to contribute to society again someday.”
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts had sought a sentence of 9-12 years, while the defense, led by Daniel J. Reilly, argued for 3-5 years, citing the lower end of sentencing guidelines.
Reilly also highlighted that Crosbie is a “foreigner serving time in a foreign country,” emphasizing that he “won’t be able to return to the home he left.” The defense requested consideration for the 20 months Crosbie has already spent at Suffolk County Jail without posting bail, as well as the impact the sentence would have on his family, noting he would “miss formative years of his children’s lives.”
Crosbie further implored the judge to consider his “wonderful wife and two beautiful daughters,” for whom he stated he is the main provider. His wife and other family members were present throughout both trials.
Conversely, the prosecution argued that the impact on Crosbie’s family should not influence the sentencing, stating, “he caused all of this.” Assistant District Attorney Erin Murphy, the lead prosecutor, told the judge that Crosbie “should be punished for what he did to [victim].
The punishment should be proportionate.” She characterized the crime as “inhumane” and “made no sense,” urging the court to “prioritize public safety” by “imposing a significant [sentence to] prevent future rapes.”
Victim Details Lasting Trauma
The victim also delivered a powerful statement to the court, detailing the profound and lasting impact of the assault on her relationships, career, and health. She described experiencing “sleepless nights and panic attacks” in the months following the hotel attack, and feeling “dread” when passing the prominent Boston landmark.
“I am reminded constantly of the horrible thing that was done to me,” she shared. “I feel bleak and lonely when I should feel happy and loved.” The victim further explained her ongoing need for therapy and medical support to manage daily tasks, describing moments of “descending without warning into unhappiness that I cannot control.”
She concluded by noting that her rapist has “never offered an apology,” adding, “it breaks my heart to know that we live in a world where someone can do such a horrible thing to another human being and not have the decency to hold themselves accountable.”