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Munster Abuse trial jury must root judgement in facts not emotion, judge says

Summary

In a Munster child‑abuse trial, Mr Justice Paul McDermott instructed a jury of eight weeks' deliberation to base their verdict solely on facts, not emotion, after hearing disturbing evidence. The case involved five family members—parents, aunt, uncles—accused of abusing three children between 2014 and 2016. The accused, aged 27 to 56, all denied the charges. The judge highlighted the emotional impact of the evidence and urged the jury to remain objective, analysing facts without bias. Defence counsel argued that evidence had been mismanaged and that convictions would not vindicate the children. The prosecution maintained that the accused were key perpetrators. The trial concluded with the judge outlining legal principles before sending the jury home, with a follow‑up charge scheduled for Monday. The case remains at the closing stage, with no verdict yet announced.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Munster Abuse trial jury must root judgement in facts not emotion, judge says. Charges or matters: 10 counts including rape, oral rape, anal rape, sexual assault and sexual exploitation at locations in Munster on unknown dates between August 18, 2014 and April 28, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• August 18, 2014 Incident
• April 28, 2016 Incident
• 2014 and 2016 Other
• 2021-07-23 Publication

Why: In his closing speech earlier this week Bernard Condon SC, prosecuting, had told the jury the uncle was "not an afterthought" because the first allegations made against him were in two of the children's second interviews with gardaí. CNI source report

Case subjects

Topics

Stage Trial

Read the original CNI report