Courts / Dublin / Report
Man whose rape conviction was overturned after new evidence seeks miscarriage of justice declaration
Summary
Darren Thompson, aged 29, had his 2017 gang‑rape conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal after his lawyers discovered that the complainant had made allegations against other men that were either unfounded or not followed up. The conviction had been based on the claim that Thompson and two others raped a woman who had been celebrating her 21st birthday in a nightclub. Thompson was sentenced to six years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, and had already served his term by the time the appeal was heard. In November 2022 Thompson applied for a certificate declaring a miscarriage of justice, arguing that key information—specifically Tusla documents showing the complainant's other complaints—had not been disclosed to the defence. The Court of Appeal, hearing the application, noted that the omission prevented the defence from cross‑examining the complainant on those matters. The judge reserved judgment on the application. Darren Thompson pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man whose rape conviction was overturned after new evidence seeks miscarriage of justice declaration. Charges or matters: rape at a house in Dublin but was convicted by a jury and sentenced to six years' imprisonment with the final two years suspended. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- May 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-11-08 Publication
Why: At the Court of Appeal today (TUESDAY), Fiona Murphy SC said Mr Thompson was applying for a certificate for a miscarriage of justice because key information had not been disclosed to the defence during the trial. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Applicant
Charges: rape at a house in Dublin but was convicted by a jury and sentenced to six years' imprisonment with the final two years suspended (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; The court heard the prosecution argued that Mr Thompson and two other men raped the woman after she came back to a house with them, where she was told: "It's your birthday surprise." Mr Thompson of Belcare Park, Ballymun, Dublin, had pleaded not guilty to rape at a house in Dublin but was convicted by a jury and sentenced to six years' imprisonment with the final two years suspended. No re-trial was ordered and Mr Thompson had already completed his jail sentence by the time of the appeal hearing.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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