Courts / Dublin / Report

Court asked to quash man's conviction for abusing cousin

Date
2021-04-13
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

A 53‑year‑old Dubliner, whose name is withheld to protect his victim, has asked the Court of Appeal to quash a conviction for indecent assault of his male cousin. The appeal argues that the trial was unfair because the jury heard two separate allegations – one against a young girl and one against the cousin – in the same hearing. The appellant's lawyers claim no legal basis existed for a joint trial and that the prosecution failed to establish any cross‑corroboration between the allegations. They contend that the judge's refusal to allow the cases to be tried separately created a risk of prejudice. The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment on the appeal.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Court asked to quash man's conviction for abusing cousin. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Why: However by the end of the trial, Mr Hartnett said, the prosecution conceded they could not rely on similarities between the allegations or "cross corroboration" because none had been established. Prosecution account reported by CNI

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Court of Appeal
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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