Courts / Ireland / Report
Man appeals 12-year sentence for raping and abusing step-children
Summary
A 54-year-old man, whose identity is protected to safeguard his victims, is appealing his conviction and 12-year sentence for sexually abusing his step-children. The Court of Appeal heard arguments regarding his conviction for abusing two of his three step-children, for which he was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy on June 20, 2016. In a separate trial, he was convicted of four counts of rape, ten counts of sexual assault, one offence of oral rape, and two charges of using an object to penetrate his step-daughter between 2001 and 2005. Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan imposed a concurrent 12-year sentence for abusing the eldest child in July 2016. The appellant, represented by Paddy McGrath SC, argued that the trial judge erred by refusing to sever the indictment for separate trials, failed to discharge the jury after accidental evidence of other allegations was introduced, and that the verdict was perverse. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Timothy O'Leary SC, countered that sufficient similarities, including the step-parent relationship and the offering of money, justified joint trials. The three-judge panel, comprising Mr Justice George Birmingham, Mr Justice Alan Mahon, and Mr Justice John Edwards, reserved judgment. Consequently, the matter was adjourned, and the outcome of the appeal remains pending.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man appeals 12-year sentence for raping and abusing step-children. Charges or matters: four counts of rape, ten counts of sexual assault, one offence of oral rape and two charges of using an object to penetrate his step-daughter on dates between 2001 and 2005. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- June 20, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2001 and 2005 Incident
- 2017-01-27 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: four counts of rape, ten counts of sexual assault, one offence of oral rape and two charges of using an object to penetrate his step-daughter on dates between 2001 and 2005 (Proven)
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; He was sentenced him to 12 years imprisonment for abuse of the two youngest children by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy on June 20, 2016.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
Sexual Offences Stage Appeal Violent Crime
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