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Wholesaler appeals conviction for sex attacks on young workers
Summary
Joseph McGrane, a 60‑year‑old fruit and veg wholesaler, was convicted in March 2019 of 11 counts of indecent assault and seven of sexual assault against three boys and a young woman, with offences occurring between 1985 and 1993. He was sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment, the final year suspended, after a trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. McGrane denied all charges. The Court of Appeal heard an appeal filed by counsel Paul Greene SC, who argued that the conviction was unsafe due to delays in prosecution, a failure to sever the indictment, and improper jury instructions. Greene cited the differing nature of the case involving the young woman and the judge's refusal to discharge the jury on acquitted counts. Counsel for the DPP, Eilis Brennan SC, countered that the offences were part of a single series and that the judge's decisions were within discretion. The Court of Appeal reserved judgment.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Wholesaler appeals conviction for sex attacks on young workers. Charges or matters: 11 counts of indecent assault and seven counts of sexual assault against three boys and a young woman carried out at various locations including his home, on dates between 1985 and 1993. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- March 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 10, 2019 Incident
- 1985 and 1993 Incident
- 2020-05-05 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: 11 counts of indecent assault and seven counts of sexual assault against three boys and a young woman carried out at various locations including his home, on dates between 1985 and 1993 (Proven)
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; On May 10, 2019 Judge Sheahan sentenced McGrane to 13 years imprisonment with the final year suspended.
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