A DUBLIN FIREFIGHTER has been sentenced to between seven and nine years in prison after being found guilty of raping a woman during a trip to Boston for St Patrick’s Day last year.

Terence Crosbie, 39, was convicted on Friday in his second trial following a mistrial earlier this year.

The attack happened at the Omni Parker House hotel in the centre of Boston city on 15 March 2024.

At his sentencing, the victim described how the assault had changed her life forever, saying it had affected her health, work and relationships.

As reported by local news organisation NBC Boston, the victim told the court that she is “reminded constantly of the horrible thing that was done to me,” and said it has been “a struggle to heal and to grow back into a happy person who can enjoy her life”.

Crosbie also addressed the court, asking for leniency because of his work as a firefighter and his role as the sole provider for his wife and two daughters.

Prosecutors sought a nine- to twelve-year sentence, while his defence argued for three to five years.

The court heard that the victim had returned to a hotel room shared by Crosbie and another Irish firefighter.

The men were part of a group of firefighters who traveled to Boston to march in the parade.

The victim woke during the night to find Crosbie raping her.

Crosbie was arrested at Boston’s Logan Airport after attempting to leave the city earlier than planned.

He was sentenced to serve between seven and nine years in prison. In Massachusetts, a sentence of seven to nine years means Crosbie must serve at least seven years before becoming eligible for parole, but no longer than nine years in total.

He cannot be released before the minimum term except in rare circumstances, and must be freed once the maximum term is reached, even if parole is denied.