On 1 October 2026 at Dungannon Crown Court, Alcino Soares and Luis Martins dos Mariano, both aged 20 and from Dungannon, were sentenced for the rape of a young woman in 2023. Each received six years' imprisonment — three years in custody and three on licence — and both were made subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for life.

Police received a report on Sunday 10 September 2023 of a serious sexual assault in the early hours in Dungannon town centre. Officers spoke to the victim, who had been confronted by Soares and Mariano. The two men dragged her into an underground car park on Sloan Street, where they subjected her to a sustained serious sexual assault. She then managed to make her way back to her friends, and ultimately, home. Both men were arrested on suspicion of rape, interviewed and charged. Mariano pleaded guilty at arraignment, while Soares entered a guilty plea before his trial was due to begin. Both remained on remand until sentencing.

Detective Chief Inspector Steph Finlay said: "This was an appalling and deeply distressing attack on a young woman who should have been able to make her way home safely after meeting with friends.

"The actions of these two men were predatory, degrading and showed a complete disregard for their victim. I want to pay tribute to the tremendous courage she has shown throughout what has undoubtedly been an extremely difficult and traumatic process.

"Today's sentences hold both men accountable for their actions and I hope they provide the victim with some measure of reassurance that those responsible have been brought to justice.

"Our message to anyone who has experienced sexual violence or abuse is clear: please speak to us. We understand how difficult it can be to come forward, and reports will be treated with sensitivity and respect. We remain committed to investigating sexual offences, supporting victims and bringing offenders before the courts."