Foster father seeks to have rape conviction overturned

A man from County Tipperary has mounted a challenge in the Court of Appeal seeking to overturn his conviction for the rape of his teenage foster daughter. Richard Moloney (42) of Roscrea was found guilty in July 2019 of one count of rape, one count of oral rape, and one count of sexual assault against his then 16-year-old foster daughter at their home in July 2016. He received a 12-year prison sentence in November 2019. During the appeal hearing, Moloney's legal team argued the convictions were unsound, claiming the trial judge's instructions to the jury created an "either/or" scenario rather than allowing consideration of alternative possibilities. The prosecution countered that the judge had properly instructed the jury on the burden of proof and the jury's demonstrated ability to selectively reject evidence by acquitting Moloney on a fourth charge. Moloney also sought a sentence reduction, arguing the offences occurred on a single occasion rather than over an extended period. The three-judge panel reserved judgement.