Courts / Cork / Report

Man jailed for sexually abusing his step-daughter loses appeal on grounds involving victim impact statement

Summary

Michael Riordan, aged 49, was convicted of 21 counts of sexual assault against his step‑daughter between September 2007 and November 2012. A jury found him guilty on nine counts and acquitted him on the rest by direction. He received a sentence of two‑and‑a‑half years' imprisonment on 4 July 2014. Riordan appealed, arguing that facts disclosed in the victim's impact statement – such as the accused allegedly breaking the shower on purpose and his alleged dislike of the victim until she was 13 – contradicted her evidence and should have led to the withdrawal of the remaining counts. The Court of Appeal rejected the appeal, stating the new facts were minor and did not affect the fairness of the trial or the cross‑examination. Riordan was ordered to serve the remainder of his sentence in prison. The victim had waived anonymity, allowing the court to publish his identity. Michael Riordan pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man jailed for sexually abusing his step-daughter loses appeal on grounds involving victim impact statement. Charges or matters: 21 counts of sexual assault committed against his step-daughter on dates between September 2007 and November 2012. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• September 2007 Incident
• November 2012 Incident
• July 4, 2014 Other
• 2015-05-12 Publication

Why: It was clear, Ms Farrelly said, that because the trial judge had determined that some of the evidence was "sufficiently deficient" it almost followed that it was unsafe to allow the remaining counts to go to the jury. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report