In September 2019, Paula Doyle endured a harrowing ordeal that changed her life forever. The 46-year-old mother of five was raped by Aidan Kestell, her friend's husband, during what should have been an ordinary Friday night. The traumatic event was compounded by years of persistent harassment through anonymous messages. Doyle's resilience and bravery not only led to Kestell's conviction but also transformed her into a powerful advocate against sexual violence.
For over three years before the attack, Doyle received "pest messages" from an unknown number. Despite advice from the Garda Síochána to block the number, the messages persisted. It was later revealed that the sender was none other than Kestell himself, someone Doyle barely interacted with, but whose obsession with her became evident during his trial.
“They paused the statement and asked to look at them,” – Doyle
The messages, once dismissed as an annoying nuisance, became critical evidence in court. Doyle recalled how investigators managed to trace the number back to Kestell during the trial.
“Then they opened them up, and called someone – I don’t know how but the number was traced there and then.” – Doyle
The brutal attack left Doyle with significant injuries. She sustained bruises to the back of her head, inflammation to her jaw, bruises on her legs, and internal bruising. She was unaware of the extent of her injuries immediately after the incident and only realized she was limping later.
In the immediate aftermath, Doyle confided in her partner, Derek, who rushed to be by her side. The couple was advised to keep the incident confidential as they navigated the complex legal process that spanned over four years before finally reaching trial. Throughout this time, Doyle's life dramatically changed as she grappled with the emotional and physical toll of the assault.
“I had to change my number and didn’t want to give my new number out, so you lose people. They get fed up. You haven’t turned up to another birthday, another christening, another wedding. You haven’t wished your neighbours a happy new year.” – Doyle
Despite these challenges, Doyle found strength in her family. Her partner and children became her pillars of support during her darkest moments.
“My partner, Derek, cried with me when I had nightmares. When he was working nights, my children stayed up with me when I wasn’t sleeping. Their resilience, their patience, their love. I’ve told them that I’m buying them all cloaks this Christmas because they’re all superheroes.” – Doyle
Before the incident, Doyle was an active member of her community. Her home was described as a bustling hub of activity and warmth.
“Our door was always open – we had a bustling home and I loved that,” – Doyle
“I was quite involved in the community. I ran a youth club. I was on the parents’ association at school, and the board of management. Every weekend, there’d be football or Gaelic matches.” – Doyle
The betrayal by someone she once considered a friend compounded the trauma.
“Our children were similar ages, at the same school. They made communion and confirmation together. I was first in the hospital when her youngest was born,” – Doyle
“There are no words for the shock of realising what it was and who it was,” – Doyle
“I couldn’t compute how this person I’d left at the gate was here, doing this to me. I just couldn’t put it together.” – Doyle
During Kestell's trial, his defense claimed that the intercourse happened by accident—a claim that did not hold up under scrutiny. The court found him guilty of rape, sentencing him to eight years with six months suspended in March.
Doyle gave her evidence via video link, a testament to her courage and determination to seek justice despite the emotional toll it took on her.
Since the trial, Doyle has emerged as a campaigning figure against sexual violence. Collaborating with organizations like the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, she is determined to raise awareness about the impacts of such violence and the often arduous journey through the justice system.
Doyle's battle has not been easy. She has faced mental health challenges and attempted to take her life twice since the attack. However, she attributes her survival to the unwavering support of her partner and family.
“That’s the way my head was working. For anyone going through this who thinks that their feelings are so crazy that they must be going mad, I’d say you’re not on your own. And your feelings are normal.” – Doyle