Courts / Ireland / Report

Man 'of some standing' appeals conviction for repeatedly raping friend's daughter

Date
2020-12-17
Stage
Appeal

Summary

An unnamed 67-year-old man, described as having community standing, appealed his conviction for repeatedly raping his friend's daughter when she was aged 12 to 14. The Court of Appeal heard arguments regarding the trial judge's decision to allow the jury to bring majority verdicts after they indicated they had not yet adjudicated on some of the 32 counts. The appellant was found guilty of six counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, three counts of oral rape, and one count of attempted oral rape, while acquitted of 16 other charges. Ms Justice Kennedy originally sentenced him to nine years, suspending the final 12 months on conditions, noting the deep impact on the victim and the breach of trust. The appellant's counsel argued the jury was denied adequate time for debate on the remaining counts. The prosecution countered that the jury's statement meant they had not reached a final conclusion. The three-judge panel, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham, reserved judgment. The matter was adjourned pending the court's decision.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man 'of some standing' appeals conviction for repeatedly raping friend's daughter. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Acquitted

When:

Case subjects

Unnamed man

Appellant

Finding: Acquitted

Outcome: Acquitted; Ms Justice Kennedy handed down a nine-year sentence but suspended the final 12 months on a number of conditions.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Court of Appeal

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report

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