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Ex soldier appeals conviction for 'cynical and cold campaign of rape'

Date
2023-05-22
Stage
Appeal
Court
Court of Appeal
Primary locality
Newbridge
County
Kildare

Summary

Niall Kennedy, a former soldier, was convicted in December 2021 on twelve counts of rape and additional charges of harassment and threats. He was sentenced to twelve years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended for five years on strict conditions. Kennedy, aged 32, denied the charges. His appeal argues that the trial judge failed to issue a corroboration warning to the jury about the uncorroborated evidence of the complainant, who admitted to lying about her relationship with Kennedy and about a male friend's drug use. The appeal also contends that the judge should have warned the jury about Kennedy's state of mind and the alleged consensual nature of the intercourse. The Court of Appeal will consider whether the absence of such a warning affected the jury's deliberations. The case remains at the appeal stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Ex soldier appeals conviction for 'cynical and cold campaign of rape'. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted

When:

Why: Vincent Heneghan SC, for the State, said the woman had explained why she told lies about the relationship. CNI source report

Case subjects

Niall Kennedy

Appellant

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; He imposed a sentence of 12 years with the final two years suspended for five years on strict conditions.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Court of Appeal
Secondary Mention

Topics

Drugs Stage Appeal

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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