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Islamaphobia "an established reality in Ireland", lawyers for man jailed for raping wife tell appeal court
Summary
A 43‑year‑old man of Arabic origin was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for raping and threatening to kill his wife in 2014. The Central Criminal Court convicted him of rape, threats to cut her face, and threats to kill her over the phone. The jury could not reach verdicts on charges of head‑butting and serious damage to her. Judge Isobel Kennedy imposed a 12‑year sentence, suspending the final two years for rape, and gave lesser concurrent sentences for the other counts. The man has now appealed to the Court of Appeal, arguing that the trial judge should have issued a tailored warning to jurors about potential racial bias, citing Islamaphobia as an established reality in Ireland. The appeal is pending judgment.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Islamaphobia "an established reality in Ireland", lawyers for man jailed for raping wife tell appeal court. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- June 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-10-31 Publication
Why: In the course of the trial, it was alleged that the man told his wife that because they were living together, he could have sex with her or rape her whenever he wanted – like she was a "commodity," counsel stated. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Outcome: A man jailed for raping and threatening to kill his wife as their marriage was breaking down has moved to appeal his conviction. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy sentenced him to 12 years imprisonment with the final two suspended for rape in June 2016.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
- High Court
Topics
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