Courts / Ireland / Report
'A little piece of history' as trial opens at Croke Park
Summary
In a historic first, the Central Criminal Court opened a trial at Croke Park, the GAA headquarters, to accommodate Covid‑19 safety measures. Justice David Keane welcomed the jury of eight men and four women, noting the venue's unique role and the need for physical distancing and mask‑wearing. The trial, conducted in camera, concerns a woman in her 20s who alleges her father, aged 64, sexually abused her between 2000 and 2007. She claims he forced her to watch pornographic tapes, perform oral sex, and molest her while living in a dilapidated cottage with no toilet. The defendant denies all allegations, admitting only an alcohol problem monitored by the HSE and foster parents. The case proceeds with the presumption of innocence until proven beyond reasonable doubt. The trial continues.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'A little piece of history' as trial opens at Croke Park. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 2000 Incident
- December 2008 Incident
- 2000 and 2007 Incident
- 2021-04-14 Publication
Why: She said there were occasions when her client would contact the foster parents and cancel access visits because he had been drinking and didn't think it would be fair to take her. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Places mentioned
- Croke Park
- The Central Criminal Court
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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