Courts / Tipperary / Report

Abuser has jail term reduced for indecent assaults on sisters

Summary

A 53‑year‑old man lost his appeal against convictions for indecent assault on his younger sisters in the 1980s, but secured a reduction of his prison term by one year. He had pleaded not guilty to five counts against one sister, aged 11 or 12, when he was 14 or 15, and denied one count against his other sister, aged 12 or 13, when he was 18 or 19. The trial before the Circuit Criminal Court in Tipperary resulted in a guilty verdict and a sentence of five and a half years, with the final two years suspended. In the appeal, his barrister argued that the judge erred by admitting the appellant's 'no comment' answers to Gardaí, claiming this violated his right to silence and created an impression of evasiveness. The State countered that the interview had been edited to exclude such answers before the jury. The unnamed 53-year-old was found guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Abuser has jail term reduced for indecent assaults on sisters. Charges or matters: five counts against one sister, aged 11 or 12, when he was 14 or 15. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• 2020-06-24 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report