Courts / Donegal / Report
Convicted abuser claims jury verdict was "perverse"
Summary
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. The unnamed 66-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Convicted abuser claims jury verdict was "perverse". Charges or matters: three counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape between November 1992 and December 1994 at locations in counties Donegal and Dublin. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- November 1992 Incident
- December 1994 Incident
- May 19, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2018-01-19 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: three counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape between November 1992 and December 1994 at locations in counties Donegal and Dublin (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; A man jailed for abusing his grand-niece 25 years ago has sought to have his conviction overturned on grounds that the jury's verdict was perverse and against the weight of the evidence. He was found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court and sentenced to seven years imprisonment by Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan on May 19, 2017.
Places mentioned
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Appeal Violent Crime
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