Courts / Galway / Report
'Callous' grandfather bids to overturn conviction for repeatedly raping granddaughter
Summary
An 80‑year‑old grandfather, whose name is withheld to protect victims, has appealed six rape convictions for repeatedly raping his eldest granddaughter between 2014 and 2018. He was sentenced in June 2022 to ten years' imprisonment with one year suspended, and to five years for 81 other sexual assaults on the girl and her two younger sisters when they were aged five to fourteen. The appeal argues that the trial judge's charge to the jury was erroneous, claiming the defence failed to fully question the complainant on details from specialist Garda interviews that were shown on a DVD. The Court of Appeal will decide on 11 July. The case highlights the grandfather's abuse of trust and the impact on the three girls, who were present at the hearing. The judge noted the defendant's age but stressed the seriousness of the offences.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Callous' grandfather bids to overturn conviction for repeatedly raping granddaughter. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- May 16 Other
- Tuesday, July 11 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014 and 2018 Incident
- 2023-07-04 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Outcome: A "cold, callous and cruel" grandfather jailed for repeatedly raping his granddaughter and carrying out scores of sex assaults on her and her two younger sisters has launched an appeal against his rape convictions. The man (80), who cannot be named to protect the identity of his victims, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court to ten years' imprisonment with one year suspended in June of last year for six rapes he denied occurred in Co Galway between 2014 and 2018.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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