Courts / Dublin / Report
Man convicted of rape is released on bail after investigation over alleged "new evidence"
Summary
Darren Thompson, 25, was convicted of rape in 2017 and sentenced to six years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. In January 2020 the Director of Public Prosecutions announced an investigation into alleged "new evidence" that could affect the outcome of the case. Thompson, who maintains his innocence, was released on bail pending the hearing of the application to present this evidence. The bail was granted by Mr Justice John Edwards, with a condition that Thompson appear again on 24 March. The case involved a woman in her 20s who claimed she had consensual sex with a man she met in a nightclub, but later alleged that Thompson and another man attempted to have sex with her while she was under the influence of drugs. No further details were disclosed in court. The Central Criminal Court noted that Thompson's family and girlfriend remain supportive. The application to present new evidence is scheduled for the Court of Appeal.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man convicted of rape is released on bail after investigation over alleged "new evidence". Charges or matters: rape by a jury and sentenced to six years imprisonment with the final two years suspended by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy on June 1, 2017. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- June 1, 2017 Incident
- March 24 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-01-30 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: rape by a jury and sentenced to six years imprisonment with the final two years suspended by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy on June 1, 2017 (Proven)
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Thompson was found guilty of rape by a jury and sentenced to six years imprisonment with the final two years suspended by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy on June 1, 2017. He has acted in loco parentis for his partner's children. "This was something of an appalling aberration," his counsel told the sentence hearing, adding that Thompson has an impressive work history and was not someone who abuses alcohol, drugs or people.
Places mentioned
- Belcare Park
- The Central Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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