Courts / Ireland / Report
DPP seeks to overturn ruling prohibiting abuse trial
Summary
In a 2019 Court of Appeal case, prosecutors sought to overturn a High Court ruling that barred a 59‑year‑old man from trial for alleged sexual abuse of his two sisters between 1974 and 1985. The man, whose identity is withheld, faced 17 rape and sexual abuse charges. He argued he was not living in the family home during the alleged period, claiming residence with grandparents and another relative, all now deceased. Only one charge had a specific date, and neither sister was aware of the other's alleged abuse, limiting corroboration. He claimed prejudice due to the deaths of potential witnesses and alleged unfairness from prior publicity. The High Court had ruled that the deaths denied him a fair defence, citing elderly witnesses with poor recollection. The DPP appealed, arguing witnesses were peripheral and the man's parents were alive. The Court of Appeal reserved judgment, noting the alleged "threatening letter" as a catalyst for the sisters' complaints.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: DPP seeks to overturn ruling prohibiting abuse trial. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- 1974 and 1985 Other
- 2019-06-04 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Outcome: Ms Brennan said the "catalyst" for the women coming forward to make their complaints was a "threatening letter" the man is alleged to have sent to them while serving a sentence in prison.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- High Court
Topics
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