Convicted abuser claims jury verdict was "perverse"

A 66-year-old man imprisoned for sexual offences against a family member has appealed his conviction at the Court of Appeal in Dublin, arguing the jury's verdict was perverse and unsupported by evidence. The man was convicted in May 2017 of three counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape committed between November 1992 and December 1994 in Donegal and Dublin. He received a seven-year sentence from Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan. His counsel raised concerns about inconsistencies in the complainant's testimony, including uncertainties regarding locations and details, and highlighted the absence of corroboration. The Director of Public Prosecutions contended that substantial evidence supported the jury's verdict and that assessing credibility and weight remained within the jury's province. Mr Justice George Birmingham, sitting with colleagues, indicated the court would reserve judgement on the appeal.