Courts / Limerick / Report

Man has conviction overturned for attacking and raping woman in her home

Date
2018-06-11
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Limerick
County
Limerick

Summary

Alan Hanley, aged 35 and without a fixed abode, was convicted at the Central Criminal Court of three counts of rape and one count of assault after attacking a woman in her Limerick home on the night of 4–5 May 2012. He pleaded not guilty but was found guilty on all counts at a retrial, and Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy sentenced him to 12 ½ years for each rape and five years for the assault. Hanley appealed on the basis that the trial judge failed to give the jury a corroboration warning, a warning that had been issued in his first trial. The Court of Appeal agreed, directed a retrial and remanded him in custody pending the next hearing on 25 June. The appeal centred on inconsistencies in the complainant's testimony, including whether Hanley ejaculated and the subsequent handling of a rug. Hanley's prior convictions include possession of a knife (2000) and threats to kill (2007, 2008).

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man has conviction overturned for attacking and raping woman in her home. Charges or matters: three counts of rape at a house in Limerick city on the night of May 4th and 5th, 2012; intimidating a witness in his own 2008 case. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted

When:

Case subjects

Alan Hanley

Appellant

Charges: three counts of rape at a house in Limerick city on the night of May 4th and 5th, 2012; intimidating a witness in his own 2008 case (Proven)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy imposed sentences of 12 and a half years for each of the rape offences. She imposed the maximum possible sentence of five years for the assault.; The three-judge Court of Appeal directed a retrial and he was remanded in custody to next list to fix dates June 25 next.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
  • Court of Appeal

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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