B&B rapist complains jury was invited to speculate at his trial

A man convicted of rape at the Central Criminal Court has appealed his conviction before the Court of Appeal on grounds relating to the trial judge's handling of prosecution submissions and expert evidence. Thomas Wymbs, aged 68, was found guilty in February 2024 of raping a guest at Atlantic Haven B&B near Mount Temple, County Sligo, in February 2020. He received a sentence of seven and a half years, with the final eighteen months suspended, in July 2024. His counsel argued that the trial judge erred in declining to address the jury on comments made during prosecution closing speeches and on evidence concerning alcohol consumption and its effects. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel disputed both contentions, stating the judge's refusal was appropriate given the context of the evidence and submissions. Mr Justice John Edwards reserved judgment, to be delivered at a later date.