Courts / Ireland / Report
Case against family members accused of rape and abuse 'vague' and inconsistent, lawyers argue
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a 66‑year‑old man and his three sons (aged 38, 40, 41) face 31 to 36 charges of raping and sexually assaulting four family members, all children at the time. The 63‑year‑old wife of the eldest man is charged with assisting her son in an alleged anal rape of her granddaughter and assaulting the granddaughter. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 1999 and 2005 in various locations. All five defendants deny the charges. Lawyers argue the evidence is vague, contradictory and dates are mismatched, citing inconsistencies in complainants' statements and difficulties in recalling details. The defence urges the jury to acquit on all counts, noting the prosecution has not proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The trial proceeds under Justice Mary Ellen Ring. The unnamed 66-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Case against family members accused of rape and abuse 'vague' and inconsistent, lawyers argue. Charges or matters: a total of 31 charges, including 21 counts of raping his sister, four counts of sexually assaulting her and three counts of orally raping her. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 1999 and 2005 Incident
- 2015 and 2016 Other
- 2023-05-22 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: a total of 31 charges, including 21 counts of raping his sister, four counts of sexually assaulting her and three counts of orally raping her (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- High Court
Topics
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